Boston vs. Islanders: NHL Match Prediction
On January 6th, we have an exciting matchup between the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders. The Bruins are currently not at their peak performance, while the Islanders are struggling with a three-game losing streak and are yet to find their rhythm. Typically, encounters between these teams are closely contested, with victories swinging either way. This makes the upcoming game all the more intriguing to follow. Wondering what bet to place on this event? Find out in our prediction.

Command Analysis

Boston Bruins

Current Form
Boston is currently positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference, accumulating a total of 44 points. The team is just four points away from falling out of the playoff zone, so they cannot afford to relax. However, their recent performances have been far from satisfactory, as their game is not coming together, resulting in consecutive losses. Notably, in their last three games, the Bruins were defeated within regulation time. All these matches were played away from home.
The Bruins fell to Washington (1-3) and the Rangers (1-3), and also suffered a setback against Toronto with a score of 4-6. Interestingly, in the final match, they managed to equalize twice but ultimately had a poor third period, conceding four goals and allowing the opponent to secure two points in regulation. On a positive note, David Pastrnak had a successful game, scoring twice.
It is worth mentioning that Boston often struggles to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities, sometimes failing to break through the opponent's defense more than once or twice. The team continues to show weak performance in 5-on-4 and 5-on-3 situations, with a current power play conversion rate of only 12.7%. However, it's important to note that Joe Sacco's team performs better on home ice, having only been defeated six times in regulation during this period.
Suspensions and Injuries
Hampus Lindholm will not participate in the upcoming game due to an injury.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Boston averages 27 shots on goal
The Bruins are currently lacking in shooting activity and rarely pose a threat to the opponent's net.
- Boston has a 76.2% penalty kill rate
This statistic places the team 25th in the league.

New York Islanders

Current Form
The Islanders have slipped to the second-to-last spot in the Eastern Conference, despite being close to a playoff position not too long ago. In previous seasons, the team also struggled with consistency, but they generally hovered around the top eight and occasionally delivered impressive performances. However, in the current regular season, the club is not performing well, typically lacking successful streaks and managing only isolated victories.
Currently, the Islanders are on a three-game losing streak and are unable to break out of this slump. Recently, they lost on the road to Pittsburgh (2-3) and Toronto (1-3), and then again at home to the same Leafs with a score of 1-2. In none of these matches did Patrick Roy's team manage to surprise their opponents offensively, scoring no more than two goals. This is not particularly surprising, as the club remains the least productive in their conference today.
Typically, New York struggles the most in the final twenty minutes, with a goal differential of 36:52, often allowing opponents to score. It's worth noting that the Islanders' play largely depends on their top offensive line, so if they fail to create opportunities in the opponent's zone, the matches usually end poorly.
Suspensions and Injuries
Holmstrom, Reilly, George, and McLean will not participate in the upcoming match due to injuries.
Interesting Betting Trends
- The Islanders average 5.46 penalty minutes per game.
Typically, the team incurs no more than three penalties per game and is currently one of the most disciplined in the league.
- The Islanders have a 63.5% penalty kill rate.
In this category, the club ranks last in the league.
Trends
Bet 1st Period: Total Under 1.5 Goals
In the last three matches involving the visitors, the first period was low-scoring
1.85Bet 3rd Period: Home Team to Score
In three out of four games against the Islanders, the home team scored in the third period
1.44Tip and bets
Both teams are undoubtedly in poor form and delivering disappointing results. However, even under these circumstances, it makes sense to favor Boston. The Bruins perform well on their home ice and often delight their fans, whereas the Islanders face numerous challenges on the road and typically lose in regulation time when playing against playoff-bound opponents. It's also worth noting that these teams have already met this season, with the Bruins proving their superiority with a 6-3 victory.
Prediction - Boston to win with a handicap (0) at 1.80
Bet on Individual Total
The Islanders have been struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities for an extended period, often ending up with no more than two goals. Additionally, Patrick Roy's team is currently the least productive in their conference. The Bruins are likely to adopt a more defensive style against the Islanders, aiming to concede fewer than three goals.
Bet on the Islanders' individual total under 2.5 goals at 1.95
Bet on Overall Total
Recent matches involving the visitors have been low-scoring affairs with minimal goals. The Islanders have scored very little themselves and typically conceded no more than two or three goals in return. Boston, on the other hand, has also played many games with a lower total. Both teams are currently on a losing streak, so they are unlikely to engage in an open, end-to-end hockey game.
Take the total under 5.5 goals at 2.00