Islanders vs Jets: Isles significant underdog in Winnipeg (lines, odds, +)

Game nine of the New York Islanders 13-game road trip to open the year is tonight. They stay North of the border but travel West to face the Winnipeg Jets. And the Islanders, who are on a six-game point streak, are significant underdogs tonight.

According to WynnBET, the Islanders are listed at +210 for tonight’s game. And while I know they’re on the road and all, but that’s a ridiculous line.

New York Islanders significant underdog against Jets

I know that hockey is stacked against the road team. Home teams get last change, they have the crowd, there are advantages to being the home team for a reason. So the fact that Winnipeg is the favorite isn’t surprising. Not to mention that they’re 4-0-0 at home so far this season.

But the Islanders aren’t a slouch either. They’re 4-2-2 on the road. That isn’t the best road record in the league, but it’s well over 500 which is a good thing in the NHL.

So to state that the Isles come into this game with a 32% chance of winning is kind of ridiculous. I’m not saying they will win. What I’m saying is that no one should think the Jets are basically guaranteed to win this game.

New York Islanders Projected Lineup

Lee-Barzal-Bailey
Beauvillier-Nelson-Palmieri
Parise-Pageau-Wahlstrom
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

Pelech-Mayfield
Chara-Pulock
Greene-Dobson

Varlamov(?) (Sorokin)

I have no idea who will start this one between the pipes. I thought Varlamov would get the start against Montreal, and I was wrong. With games in back-to-back nights, you know Semyon Varlamov will get a start at some point between the Jets and Wild.

The second line of Beau-Nelson-Palmieri was the Isles second most used and second most effective forward line against Montreal. Their 24.03 relative xGF% lead the team that night as the trio collected eight points.

Barry probably keeps them together tonight to face the Jets in Winnipeg and hopes that the top line of Lee-Barzal-Bailey plays their part.

Where to Catch the Game

Puck drop is at 7PM eastern time at the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. You can watch, or listen to the game here:

TV: MSG+, MSG Go, ESPN+
Radio: 88.7FM, 103.9FM, 98.7FM