Islanders vs. Flames: The UBS Opener (Lines, Odds, +)

Finally, the New York Islanders road trip has come to a close, and they are set to open UBS Arena tonight. If you're reading this, the fair assumption is that you're an Islanders fan and I don't have to tell you how important tonight is.

For 30 years, the team has been trying to figure out a permanent or up-to-date home to play their games. They've had that answer on paper for the last few years but tonight it becomes real as they play their first-ever game in their new home. No more, are the Islanders the butt of jokes about their playing situation.

New York Islanders First Home Game of the Season

Tale of the Tape

The Calgary Flames are a good team. They're off to a 9-3-5 start which has them in second place in their division. Where they're thriving right now is not letting in goals. With 34 goals allowed on the season, that's the second fewest in the NHL.

Jacob Markstrom has been off to an impressive start with a .942 save percentage a 1.68 goals against average and five shutouts to his name so far. Even backup Daniel Vladar is playing to a .933 save percentage and a 1.96 goals against average.

This is tough news for the Islanders who have struggled immensely at getting pucks into the back of their net. The team has four goals in their last four games played and will be without some key players due to COVID.

Betting Odds

WynnBET has the New York Islanders as -110 favorites on the moneyline and -1.5 (+205) on the puckline.

New York Islanders Projected Lineup

? - Barzal - Beauvillier

Bellows - Nelson - Wahlstrom

Parise - Pageau - Palmieri

Martin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck

Pelech - Mayfield

Chara - Salo

Greene-Aho/Dobson

Varlamov

Sorokin

Yes, there is a question mark there because Anders Lee and Ross Johnston have joined Josh Bailey in COVID protocol. As of writing this, the Islanders haven't called anyone up so they could go with a 11 forwards and seven defensemen lineup, which Barry Trotz has done in the past.

Also, it looks like Semyon Varlamov will get the start tonight. He came in for Ilya Sorokin in relief during their 6-1 loss in Florida on Tuesday. The Isles play in back to back games over the weekend so both goalies will likely see action over the next couple of days.

Where to Watch the Game

TV: MSG+

Radio: 88.7 FM, 103.9 FM, 1050 AM