Islanders vs. Vegas: Odds, Keys to the Game, TV and more

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 20: Leo Komarov #47 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck against Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Islanders 4-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Keys to the Game

Positive Start

The Islanders cannot afford to go down early as they did in Nashville on Thursday when Craig Smith scored 35 seconds in.

They need a positive start!

A positive start means the Isles need a couple of good shifts to start off the game. They need to start the game with offensive zone time, plenty of shots on net and to limit Vegas shots at their net.

The Islanders do not need to score, but they need to get involved in the game early. A positive start will allow the Islanders to force their game on the Golden Knights and build momentum.

Team Defense

Vegas averages the most shots per game in the NHL with an average of 34.5 per game! With that average of 34.5 shots per game, they also generate 3.14 goals per game on average.

The Islanders need a strong defensive game to walk out with two points at the end of the night. Obviously, they need good goaltending to win this game, but besides the goaltending, the Islanders need a full defensive effort.

The Isles need to limit defensive zone turnovers and stay physical on the speedy Golden Knights. If they can keep the Golden Knights to the outside of the ice, they will have success in this game.

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