The New York Rangers and New York Islanders have both been on a bit of a cold streak. These two rivals are set to meet for the first time this season and both teams happen to be in the middle of three-game losing streaks.
The Rangers played last night and put up a very strong effort against the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, but they came up just a tad short. That being said, Igor Shesterkin had a very good game in goal and the Rangers looked strong defensively.
The Islanders aren’t off to the start that they had hoped for, but their defense has certainly been a bright spot for the team, not as much in the past couple of games, but more or so as a whole this season.
Check out our free NHL picks and predictions for what should be a really fun and defensive-minded contest.
Rangers vs Islanders best odds
Rangers vs Islanders picks and predictions
Igor Shesterkin is coming off his strongest performance of the season last night as he made 41 saves on 44 shots against an offensively-gifted Colorado Avalanche team. Shesterkin had a .955 SV% and a +2.2 GSAx in last night's contest so he should be feeling pretty good about himself heading into this game.
His counterpart and good friend on the other side, Ilya Sorokin, hasn’t had the best start this year, but he always rises to the occasion when he goes up against the New York Rangers.
The New York Islanders have been one of the better defensive teams early on in the 2022-23 campaign, allowing just 3.00 goals per game and they are a perfect 100% on the penalty kill. The Rangers have had a hard time scoring goals in their last three games, only lighting the lamp a combined five times, so their struggles might continue against their rival tonight.
Scoring goals has also been a problem for the Islanders for quite some time and that trend has continued into this season. The Islanders power play has been horrendous as they are only converting on 14.3% of their chances.
With both teams struggling to find offense and this being a divisional rivalry, I love the Under here.
My best bet: Under 6 (-110 at BetMGM)
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Rangers vs Islanders moneyline analysis
Even though both of teams are struggling, I still think the Islanders are having more problems than the Rangers. Last night was the best that the Rangers have looked in a little more than a week, they just couldn’t find a way to score that game-winning goal.
The Islanders are still trying to find out what their identity is under new head coach Lane Lambert. Don’t get me wrong, the Islanders have a very good team when they are clicking. To this point in the season, it’s clear the Rangers have been the better team.
It’s going to be rare to find the Rangers at even money this season in NHL odds, so you have to take advantage of it while you can.
Rangers vs Islanders Over/Under analysis
Both teams have been better defensively than they have been in the offensive zone and the focus on this game is most definitely the goaltending battle between Shesterkin and Sorokin.
The Rangers and Islanders met four times last season and the Under hit in three out of those four games. Neither team has found consistency in burying their chances this season as the Rangers currently boast a -0.85 goals above expected and the Islanders have been even worse with a -2.33 goals above expected.
The offensive production has not come easy for either side and that is why tonight is all about Shesterkin vs. Sorokin.
Rangers vs Islanders betting trend to know
The Under is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Islanders.
Rangers vs Islanders game info
| Location: | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY |
| Date: | Wednesday, October 26, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
