Islanders vs. Wild: Zach Parise returns to Minnesota (lineup, odds, +)

The New York Islanders take their 5-0-2 point streak to Minnesota, where the Minnesota Wild are waiting. And while, Zach Parise has said he’s: “moved on” from the whole buyout thing, it’s hard to believe that.

Zach has spent much of the offseason stating how it sucks to have been bought out or how he didn’t decide to leave Minnesota, it was decided for him.

Parise may not have the most production on the squad (two points), but he’s been incredibly effective. He’s fit the role the Isles have cast him in perfectly. The production will come, and what better time than in Minnesota?

New York Islanders projected lineup

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

Pelech-Mayfield
Chara-Pulock
Greene-Dobson

VARLAMOV (Sorokin)

I used all caps because TODAY Semyon Varlamov will get the start. I figured it would have happened already, but Ilya Sorokin has been that good. Barry Trotz said Varlamov would get a start in this back-to-back so today is the day.

That’s not a knock on Sorokin who’s been outstanding picking up this third shutout in five games (it should have been four shutouts in five games). But he could probably use a break. And today he’ll get one.

There’s no reason to move anyone else around. All four lines are rolling and contributing, even if it isn’t seen on the scoresheet. With a seven-game point streak going; “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

Betting Odds

The Islanders were significant underdogs yesterday against Winnipeg (+210) but are now significant favorites according to WynnBET, with a -240 money line.

It’s not like the Wild are a bad team. They’re 7-3-0 this season, hold a 3-1-0 record at home, and have won two straight. And just like the Islanders, they played last night (5-4 shootout win over the Penguins).

I’m not quite sure that line is entirely accurate. As an Islanders fan, I love to see the bookies predict the Islanders should win. That +210 money line implies the Isles have a 68% chance to win tonight. I like the Isles chances tonight, but I wouldn’t say I’m that confident. But then again, I never am.