NY Islanders vs Toronto Pro Hockey Odds Analysis

As is the case with just about every professional sport, the gulf between the best and worst teams in the NHL is a big one. The beauty of hockey, though, is that the long season often throws up situations where the lesser teams are able to steal a win from the big boys. It’s tough to win on a consistent basis in this league, and there are nights where it just doesn’t go right for the team that should win. Wednesday night gives us a game that may serve as a potential trip-up game for the New York Islanders, as they will be making the always tricky trip to Toronto. The Leafs are very much on a down period in their proud history right now, but playing in front of a partisan home crowd often gives this group of guys the lift they need. The Leafs are going to need a huge lift if they are to overcome a very good Islanders team on Wednesday. You can bet on this game, as well as all the other NHL online betting action here.

New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs Pro Hockey Odds Analysis

When: Wednesday, March 9 at 7 PM EST Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto TV: TSN Radio: WRHU and CHUM Live Stream: NHL Stream NBA Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the New York Islanders

The Islanders (36-20-7) are playing some very good hockey right now, and have been especially potent on the road in recent weeks. They are coming off a 7-game road trip where they went 6-1-0, and they will have a lone game on home ice versus the Penguins before they head out on the road again to face the Leafs. Those road wins took the overall away record of the Islanders to 17-12-3 this season, and it has helped take them to within 3 points of the Rangers in second place in the Metropolitan Division. That has to be the finish that they are aiming for, as the Washington Capitals have all but secured the division title right now. The Islanders are averaging 2.9 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Why bet on the Toronto Maple Leafs

It has been a truly awful season for the Maple Leafs (21-33-11), but also exactly what everyone expected it to be. The hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach was a fantastic move, but one that is going to take a few years to reap dividends. He has already started to clear out some of the dead wood, and will have a top draft pick to start building around when next season arrives. Until then, the Leafs are going to have to try and figure out a way to break out of a slump that has seen them win only 1 game in their last 10. They do have a win over the Islanders this season, which was a split of back to back games against the guys from New York. The Maple Leafs are averaging 2.3 GPG, and are giving up 2.9 PPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The last time these two teams met at the Air Canada Centre, it was the Islanders who came away with the 6-3 win. I see a similar sort of outcome in this one, as these are a pair of teams heading in totally different directions.

New York Islanders 5 Toronto Maple Leafs 2