Lightning vs. Islanders Game 6 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
Even though they mustered up only 24 shots in nearly five periods, the New York Islanders are still alive after Game 5 after a Jordan Eberle double-overtime winner. New York’s 2-1 defied all logic, as the Tampa Bay Lightning put forth a stellar defensive effort in a clinching scenario.
The Isles’ improbable win has set up an intriguing Game 6 Thursday night.
Lightning vs. Islanders Betting Analysis
The Lightning were without postseason scoring leader Brayden Point for the second game this series in what seemed like a precautionary measure. It was unfortunate for Tampa, who have won their last seven with Point in the lineup and have lost their last two without him.
A defensive Game 5 led to the under hitting for the second time in five games this series, as both teams continue to average under 2.4 goals against per game. Oddsmakers are leaning toward a higher-scoring Game 6, with under 5 listed at +105 and the Lightning -165 favourites.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Head coach Jon Cooper’s message to his team is probably as follows: keep doing what you’re doing. The Lightning, who lost their first overtime time game this postseason, deserved better Tuesday. In fact, it looked like Tampa Bay did have a potential dagger via Carter Verhaeghe’s first NHL playoff goal, but a clear offside negated a go-ahead marker.
Verhaeghe was in the lineup in place of Brayden Point for the second time in three games. It’s safe to assume someone — likely Verhaeghe — will be exiting Tampa Bay’s forward group in Game 6 as the stakes get higher and Point’s return is apparent.
In other injury news, Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov looked in discomfort throughout Game 5 but toughed it out. It’d be a surprise to see Kucherov out for Game 6, but still something to watch.
New York Islanders
Is the winning formula in the Eastern Conference playing 11 forwards and seven defencemen? Barry Trotz gave it a go in Game 5 as veteran defenceman Johnny Boychuk replaced forward Ross Johnston and the Islanders gave Tampa Bay a taste of their own medicine.
Semyon Varlamov did all he could to keep Isles alive, as the netminder stopped 36 of 37 shots in the win. Meanwhile Ryan Pulock blasted his second of the postseason for Game 5’s opening goal. New York has scored first in four consecutive games, winning two.
Jordan Eberle’s goal has given the Islanders life, but it’s still do or die for Trotz’s resilient club. If New York can find a way to win their second straight, they’ll have all the momentum in a Game 7 against the mighty Lightning.
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