
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Prediction: Will Tristan Jarry's Return Spark the Penguins?
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Prediction: Will Tristan Jarry's Return Spark the Penguins?
The Pittsburgh Penguins (33-19-5) are set to take on the New York Islanders (28-24-7) in a highly anticipated matchup tonight. The Penguins and Rangers are currently tied in the Metropolitan division with 55 points, although the Penguins have played four fewer games. Just a few days ago, the Penguins went to New York and were handed a 5-4 loss from the Islanders. Now, the Penguins are back at home, where they have done most of their damage this season. Can the Penguins end their losing streak tonight?
Interested in betting on the Flames vs Flyers game? Click here for over $5,000 worth of sports betting bonuses to use
Penguins vs. Islanders Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: February 20, 2023
- Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Click here for Penguins vs Islanders odds
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Prediction
The Penguins may be coming off back-to-back losses, but they have a reason to get motivated in this game and win at home behind the return of starting netminder Tristan Jarry. After missing significant time due to injury, Jarry is set to make his return to the ice. Before his injury, Jarry was playing at an elite level, with a 16-5-5 record, 2.65 goals allowed average and a .921% save percentage. His presence will certainly give the Penguins a boost in defense.
Jarry has had a few injury setbacks this season, but when he plays, the Penguins look much better on defense. He is even better at home, where he has a .932% save percentage, and the PPG Paints Arena is a tough place for opposing teams to play in.
In addition to Jarry, defenseman Kris Letang is also back on the ice for the Penguins after missing some time. His return will provide a significant boost in front of the net, and his leadership will be vital in keeping the team organized.
On the other side of the rink, the Islanders have struggled on the road this season, with a record of 11-18 away from home. Their goaltender Ilya Sorokin has also struggled on the road, with a 6-10 record and a .910% save percentage. The Islanders have been much better at home, with a record of 17-13, but this game is being played in Pittsburgh.
The biggest storyline for the Islanders is the loss of Matthew Barzal to injury. Barzal was injured in the Islanders' previous game, and his absence will be felt. He is second on the team with 51 points, and he is one of the most impactful players on the team. His loss will loom large for the Islanders, and they will need other players to step up in his absence. AHL winger Arnaud Durandeau has been called up in his place, but he is making his NHL debut and is a big step down from the presence Barzal has on the ice.
The Penguins are the favorites to win this game, and rightfully so. With Jarry and Letang back in the lineup, this team is getting healthy at the right time and is ready to make a postseason push. The Islanders will need to play their best game of the season to come away with a win. With Barzal out, they will need other players to step up and contribute, but I don't think it will be enough. It should be an exciting game, but the Penguins will come away with the win.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Pick
2 Unit Pick: Penguins ML @ (-155) Bet $1200 to collect $329 Get the best odds at FanDuel, click here to bet
Are you looking for a new sportsbook to use for the NHL? Click claim now below on the offer and get a new welcome bonus!
Article Author
Ben Rajavuori is a handicapper out of Minneapolis, MN. He has been creating sports content for almost four years now and is an expert in all things NFL, MLB, NBA, UFC, and NCAAB. Ben thrives on diving deep into statistics to find the best angle on every bet. You can follow him on Twitter @WeBeatTheSpread.