Islanders vs. Rangers: Betting odds, lines, Jean-Gabriel Pageau Intro

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders (2nd from left) celebrates his power-play goal at 13:35 of the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The New York Islanders’ new man gets his papers sorted out in time to get his first taste of life as an Islander with a home date against the Rangers.

Let’s keep the good times rolling! After back-to-back 4-1 wins over the Detroit Red Wings and then the San Jose Sharks, the New York Islanders added Jean-Gabriel Pageau at the trade deadline. Now they get to play against the New York Rangers at the Coliseum.

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There probably isn’t a better way to get introduced to life as an Islander than playing against the Rangers at the Nassau Coliseum. With the crowd at full voice in a playoff-like atmosphere. It’s poetic.

The Season Series

A win tonight for the Isles would tie the season series between both teams. The Rangers hold a 2-1 season series lead over the Islanders thanks to a 6-2 route and a 3-2 win a few days later last month.

Recently, the Rangers have started to make noise in the Metropolitan Division. They find themselves only six points back of the Islanders and Blue Jackets with an 8-2-0 record over their last ten.

A win tonight won’t dash the Rangers hopes of making the post-season, but it will create a larger gap between the rivals.

Tale of the Tape

It’s funny how both teams are almost exact opposites of one another. The Islanders are a strong defensive team that struggles offensively (including the power play). But for the Rangers, the issue is keeping goals out. They can score a bunch, but the opposition finds just about as much success in hitting the back of the net.

Betting Odds

Thanks to the Action Network the New York Islanders are favored in tonight’s game with an opening -135 money line. But betters have decided to back the Rangers tonight with 53 percent of bets placed going to a Rangers win.

I don’t see an Islanders loss here. After what Lou Lamoriello was able to do and what he tried to do at the deadline the fanbase should be wildly vocal tonight at the Coliseum. Expect the Pageau chant Ottawa Senators fans started years ago the second the new guy hits the ice.

There’s no crowd like a vocal Coliseum crowd. That should get the boys pumped and ready to “geau”.

3. 106. Prediction. 1. 95

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