New York Islanders vs. Boston Bruins Game 5 Prediction, Playoff Odds
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Nik Kowalski
New York’s 4-1 win was just their second multi-goal win of the playoffs so far, and it came at a crucial time as the series moves back to Boston Monday.
While the score (11-11) and series (2-2) are even after four games, Boston’s outshot New York 123-99 and have a 37-29 advantage in high danger scoring chances according to Natural Stat Trick. The difference makers? Goaltenders Tuukka Rask and Semyon Varlamov who are both well over .930 save percentages this post-season.
Game 5 at TD Garden goes at 6:30 ET.
Islanders vs. Bruins Stanley Cup Odds
The scoring has predictably eased up between both teams as neither Game 3 or 4 went over the total (Game 4 pushed at five due to two empty-net goals). Both games in Uniondale finished 2-1 when there were goalies in net, after seven goals apiece in Games 1 and 2.
The Bruins have been a different team at home, which is where they’ll be Monday and if necessary on Friday for a Game 7. Boston’s taken 11 of their last 13 games at TD Garden, and the Islanders are under .500 on the road in 2021 at 14-15-4.
Boston’s a -186 moneyline favourite with the total at five —the over being juiced to -131.
New York Islanders
After beginning the playoffs without a goal in eight games, Mathew Barzal has re-gained his scoring touch with goals in back-to-back outings. Barzal’s goal with under seven minutes remaining gave New York their first lead of the game, and became the eventual game-winner.
Trade deadline acquisition Kyle Palmieri has been a crucial add for the Islanders, as his team-leading fifth of the playoffs got New York on the board in Game 4. And while both were empty-netters, Casey Cizikas and Jean-Gabriel Pageau both got rewarded for their hard work with a goal each. Then there’s Varlamov, who’s stopped 106 of 112 shots faced since re-taking the crease in Game 2 of this series.
Boston Bruins
Depth is starting to again creep up as an issue for the Bruins. On defence, the Bruins are without Brandon Carlo and Kevan Miller. Aside from Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk on the first pairing, Boston’s defence isn’t exactly encouraging.
Up front, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand lead the team with five goals then Patrice Bergeron’s right behind at four, but after that actual goal-scoring is getting a little bleak. Taylor Hall and Craig Smith have scored once each in their last six games, Charlie Coyle and Jake DeBrusk have two each these playoffs, and then two other Bruins’ forwards even have a goal.
NYI
BOS