Islanders vs Red Wings Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Can Sorokin Shut Down Detroit?

Neither the New York Islanders nor the Detroit Red Wings are playing well, which is making tonight’s matchup in Michigan a massive one considering the state of the Wild Card race in the Eastern Conference. The books have this a pick ‘em and it’s looking like Ilya Sorokin vs. James Reimer. 

With both teams entering tonight in poor form and desperate for points, is getting the Islanders at -110 the best deal considering they were the same price in Detroit nine games ago featuring a Red Wings lineup with Dylan Larkin (out) and Jake Walman (questionable)?

I break down the NHL odds and offer my free NHL picks for Islanders vs. Red Wings for Thursday, March 21.

Islanders vs Red Wings odds

Islanders vs Red Wings predictions

Betting on a New York Islanders offense that has scored just six goals over its last five matches is a tough side to back. This is a team that sits three points out of the last playoff spot in the East which is currently occupied by the Detroit Red Wings. However, there is more to like about the visitors tonight than the home side.

Detroit has been awful of late. They needed a miracle comeback vs. Columbus on Tuesday to get just their second win over their last 10 games. Since Dylan Larkin has hit the shelf, Detroit has gone 2-6 SU with those only wins coming vs. Columbus and an afternoon game vs. Buffalo last Saturday.

Detroit could be without defenseman Jake Walman, who missed the last game where the Wings were outshot 35-27 as a -170 favorite. The Detroit penalty kill has also been one of the worst in the league of late.

New York coach Patrick Roy has been vocal about his team’s performance, and his recent remarks on likely starter Ilya Sorokin could prove motivating following the most recent loss to Carolina who might have the best team in hockey.

I asked Patrick Roy if he was pleased with the way Ilya Sorokin has been playing: “Yeah, I'm not 100% pleased and it's obvious and I'm sure he's not, pleased with himself, either.” #Isles

More on this later.

— Joe Pantorno (@JoePantorno) March 19, 2024

The Wings should be 1-9 SU over their last 10 games. They’ve shown less of a fight for the playoffs than the Islanders, who were on a six-game winning streak prior to their current five-game skid. Sorokin is better than Detroit starter James Reimer and the Wings’ 5-on-5 metrics over the last 10 games have them as a Bottom-5 team in the league. There is a reason this ML is indicating that New York would be the favorite on neutral ice.

It could be an ugly game, but the Wings have been a much worse team than the Islanders of late and the struggling Islanders’ offense could snap out of its funk vs. a Detroit side that has the No. 28 GAA over the last 30 days at 3.76.

The Islanders were also a pick ‘em in Detroit late last month but the Wings also had Dylan Larkin in the lineup. 

My best bet: Islanders moneyline (-110 at PROLINE+)

Islanders vs Red Wings same-game parlay

Islanders moneyline

Over 6

+235 at PROLINE+

With the ability to just parlay sides and totals, this is my favorite combo. It was the same outcome as the last outing and neither side has played well defensively of late nor all season. The Wings are missing the more important pieces and Reimer is due for a bad game as he has been playing above his numbers of late.

The Over is the higher probability bet but I also think the Islanders are being mispriced at -110 and are the better team despite the losing skid. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Ontario sports bettors: Play your way with PROLINE+

Ontario-owned and operated, PROLINE+ has a robust market offering at its disposal and reinvests 100% of its profits back into the province — join today!

Sign Up Now at

Islanders vs Red Wings moneyline and Over/Under analysis

This game has bounced around from a pick ‘em to New York being slightly favored. The total has also seen some movement between 6 and 6.5. 

Over the Wings’ last 10 games where they’ve lost eight, they’ve closed as a favorite in four of them and were -110 vs. the Islanders in Detroit just 10 games ago in a 5-3 loss that started an eventual seven-game losing streak. 

That -110 line also included Larkin in the Detroit lineup and this team is nowhere near as good with him out — especially on the defensive side of things — which is why I think the Isles can score tonight. 

That game’s total also closed at 6 and featured Alex Lyon in net vs. Sorokin. Tonight it will be Reimer for the Wings, which I think is a slight decrease in price for Detroit. 

Both teams have been profitable to the Over on the season which is why I think books are bumping the total from 6 to 6.5 from the last meeting. If there are any expensive 6s, I’d feel good on the Over (up to -130). 

Detroit has been awful on the PK of late and it has been slightly better than the San Joses and Anaheims of the league in terms of 5-on-5 expected goals allowed per 60 minutes over the last 10 games. 

New York plays a looser game on the road where it averages 6.26 total goals per game. The injury to Walman is also good for the Over as the Detroit D-man was playing over 20 minutes a night and getting PK time.  

I think New York should be -120 here with Detroit missing Larkin and likely Walman while the total at 6 looks good despite the cold streak from the New York offense. In the five games before the cold spell, New York had 27 goals, so the breakout is coming.

Islanders vs Red Wings betting trend to know

The Islanders have hit the 1P moneyline in 35 of their last 85 games (+14.15 Units / 13% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Red Wings.

Islanders vs Red Wings game info

Islanders vs Red Wings latest injuries

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic