Islanders vs. Canucks: Bookending? Lines, betting odds, and more

It was almost two years ago now that the New York Islanders last faced the Vancouver Canucks on March 10th, 2020. The world would shut down the very next day. COVID would hit and the league would come to a close.

It feels like it's been an eternity since that day back in March of 2020. It feels like so much has happened. And while normal still isn't here this matchup does, kind of, feel like a bookending of sorts. Full seasons are back as well as inter-divisional play, and we have US teams playing in Canada too.

Again, it's not perfectly normal, but there is a semblance of normalcy returning to the NHL as these two teams get set to face off for the first time in nearly two full years.

New York Islanders vs. Vancouver Canucks: Book ends?

Projected lineup
The only expected change is that Kieffer Bellows replaces Kyle Palmieri who is out due to the birth of his baby (congrats to the Palmieri's).

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

Pelech-Mayfield
Chara-Dobson
Greene-Pulock

Sorokin (Varlamov)

You might want to see the reunion of Pelech and Pulock, and it will come, but Barry Trotz said they aren't in any rush. Mayfield is playing well with Pelech and rushing Pulock before he's ready isn't going to help anyone.

Betting Odds

According to WynnBet, the Isles are...favored tonight? Not by much but with a -125 money line but oddsmakers think the Isles are likeliest to win. The Canucks have a better record on the year, a better record in their last 10 games, and they're the home team. Yet the Isles have a ~55% of winning? I like the vote of confidence.

Where to watch

It's a late one, with puck drop scheduled for 10:30PM eastern, so I don't blame you if you don't make it through the entire game. Also, take note, the game is only available on TNT.

TV: TNT
Radio: 88.7FM, 98.7FM, 103.9FM