New York Islanders - Pittsburgh Penguins predictions and free betting tips [17/04/2024]

A regular NHL championship match between Eastern Conference rivals is set to kick off. Night hockey enthusiasts can look forward to a clash between the Islanders and Pittsburgh.

The Islanders

The New York club has participated in 81 official matches of the 2023-2024 NHL regular season. With 81 games played and 92 points amassed, the Islanders hold the 7th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, the Islanders may not have displayed the strongest or most spectacle-laden hockey, but managed to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. At present, the Islanders occupy the 7th position, with no scope to rise further. This accurately reflects the Islanders’ performance throughout the season.

While the current Islanders lineup may not be the strongest in terms of individual skills, they do possess a cohesive team spirit, which allowed them to outpace all rivals vying for a top-8 Eastern Conference exit. The season's end saw the Islanders managing to secure a 7th place playoff spot one match before the regular championship concluded. Noteworthy is the Islanders' moderate scoring rate, with 241 goals in 81 matches, which is lower than many of the outsiders.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's ice hockey players have participated in 81 official matches in the 2023-2024 NHL regular season. With 88 points garnered in 81 matches, Pittsburgh occupies only the 10th position in the Eastern Conference standings. In the 2023-2024 season, a glaring lack of consistency has greatly hampered Pittsburgh's success, despite the leading roles of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The last seven months have shown that Pittsburgh desperately needs changes. The era of Malkin and Crosby is undoubtedly coming to a close.

While Malkin has underperformed for several seasons, Crosby, with his 92 points, remains in good form this regular championship. In general, the Penguins have performed poorly, begging for rejuvenation, which their current coaching structure does not allow. Pittsburgh's failure to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs this season should be a wake-up call for the management and coaching staff. Major changes, tantamount to a complete overhaul, are imperative. Pittsburgh effectively performs at the end of the regular championship, suffering only two defeats in five matches, both to Toronto and Boston.

Head-to-head

Pittsburgh and the Islanders have faced each other in 90 matches. Pittsburgh has secured 53 victories, whereas the Islanders have come out stronger in 37 matches.

Total Forecast

Pittsburgh's ITO will be over 2 scored goals.

Prediction

The Islanders will win in regular time. As both teams are aware of their standings, they will play without much tension. While Pittsburgh lacks motivation, the Islanders will certainly want this match to be a dress rehearsal for the playoffs.