The Ottawa Senators (25-24-3) and New York Islanders (27-23-6) are lined up to do battle Tuesday at UBS Arena. The opening puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+).
Ottawa went through a rough patch in January but, after a 4-3 overtime win over the Calgary Flames Monday, is 5-1-0 over its last 6 games. The Senators’ dangerous powerplay (26.4%) has scored in 4 of those 6 games.
The Islanders have a rest advantage; they last played on Saturday, losing a 4-3 overtime game at the Montreal Canadiens. But New York has scuffled since the calendar flip to 2023, going 6-9-4 since Jan. 1.
Senators at Islanders odds
- Moneyline: Senators +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Islanders -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Senators +1.5 (-150) | Islanders -1.5 (+130)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +110 | U: -130)
Senators at Islanders projected goalies
Kevin Mandolese (NHL debut) vs Ilya Sorokin (16-16-4, 2.41 GAA, .923 SV%)
Mandolese was called up by Ottawa on Sunday. The 22-year-old has a 3.60 GAA and an .879 SV% in 13 games AHL games this season.
Sorokin allowed 6 goals on 34 shots in a loss to the Vancouver Canucks Thursday, and that’s part of an inconsistent stretch for the 27-year-old Russian netminder. He has posted 2 shutouts in his last 5 starts; he allowed 4-or more goals in the other 3.
Senators at Islanders picks and predictions
Prediction
Islanders 4, Senators 2
Moneyline
The Isles have a monster edge in goal, but the tag here is a tad too pricey PASS.
Puck line/Against the spread
Look for a strong effort from a rested Sorokin, who owns a nifty .929 career SV% at home. He’s logged a .933 SV% over 2 career starts against Ottawa and has a history of fine stretches of play in February and March.
Recent puck-possession numbers have been improved, and the Isles have a good shot at getting to the rookie Mandolese in his debut.
BACK THE ISLANDERS -1.5 (+130).
Over/Under
A fair number and price PASS.