Islanders. vs. Coyotes: Return of Andrew Ladd, lineup, betting odds, more

The New York Islanders welcome back Andrew Ladd to Long Island. After four years on the Island, Ladd was traded to the Arizona Coyotes for straight cap relief. Along with Ladd, the Islanders gave up three draft picks as well as Ladd.

The Coyotes also got a 2021 second, a 2022 second, and a 2023 third for taking on Ladd and his $5 million contract this year and next. Giving the Isles a ton of much-needed cap relief in the process.

The move to the Coyotes hasn't brought out the Andrew Ladd of old (it was never going to), but he's got eight points through 30 games for the Coyotes. Five are goals. That's already more goals than the last two years combined on the Island for Ladd.

Ladd didn't have a great time, at least statistically, on the Island, and the contract that he signed was a massive cap burden for the team, but it's nice to see him doing well. Hopefully, he'll get a loud and warm welcome on the Island tonight.

New York islanders: Coyotes on the Island

The Coyotes are struggling this year. But of course, that was kind of to be expected with the roster they were icing this year. That doesn't mean the Isles can take them for granted. They're on a two-game winning run, beating both the Habs and the Devils by a combined score of 9-3.

No word on who will or won't be in the lineup but you'd have to imagine that unless Kyle Palmieri or Ryan Pulock are 100% healthy no changes will come from the Islanders last game. Although, with how the top line performed the other night perhaps a change is in order?

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

Chara-Dobson
Pelech-Mayfield
Salo-Greene

Sorokin (Varlamov)

That top line is me trying to speak it into existence. Who knows if Barry Trotz will ice that top line, but maybe after rising to Barry's challenge the other day the Isles coach will see to reward Wahlstrom? Who knows.

Sorokin will seemingly get the start today. He was the first off the ice at practice.

Betting Line

The Isles are massive favorites today. According to WynnBet, the Isles hold a -265 Money Line compared to the Coyotes +220.

I'm sure I don't need to spell it out as to why the Isles are so heavily favored here. The home team always gets a bounce because of the way the rules work (last change, etc). Then you factor the records and the potential either team has based on their quality on paper. It's easy to see why they're favored.