Matt DiLeo previews the Eastern Conference Semi-Final matchup between the Islanders and Flyers and shares his predictions and picks.
The New York Islanders will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals starting on Monday, August 24th, at 7:00 pm EST.
New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers Preview
Series Line: New York Islanders (+110) vs Philadelphia Flyers (-132)
Game 1 odds: Philadelphia Flyers (-124) vs New York Islanders +108
In my last article I predicted that the Islanders would win the series as the underdogs, so I hope you guys hopped on! The New York Islanders are coming off an impressive win against the Washington Capitals as they dominated the series 4-1.
The Islanders were in control of the entire series, as they showed how disciplined they are on the defensive end. This series should be interesting because both teams have a defensive focus and a good goalie to back it up as well.
The Flyers pulled through and escaped a tough series against the Canadiens, where Carter Hart needed back to back shutouts to turn the series around and secure the series win for the Flyers. The Flyers have the same problem as the Islanders, and that is a weak offense and an even weaker power play unit. However, they both make up for it on the defensive end and want to suffocate you and sneak out a low scoring victory.
New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers Prediction
We have a series where both teams play the same style of hockey. Both teams are #2 and #3 in goals allowed per game these playoffs, as they rely on their defense.
However, the Islanders are playing extremely well on the offensive side right now. The Islanders are averaging 3.33 goals per game where the Flyers are averaging 2.30 goals per game during these playoffs.
The Flyers have an abysmal 11.8% on their power play, while the Islanders are right next to them at 15%. Do not expect a ton of goals this series, especially on the power play. Although, you can’t ignore the Islanders having the hot hand with the 5 on 5 stats. I would take the + money on the Islanders again and ride the hot hand.
You have basically the same team playing against each other, so take the + money and the team scoring more goals right now. I think the Islanders start where they left off and take game 1 of this series. This looks like an Islanders series win in 6 games, 4-2.
Prediction: New York Islanders Series Line +110, New York Islanders Game 1: (+108)
New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers Pick
These are all of the bets that I am placing:
New York Islanders Series Line (+110)
New York Islanders Game 1 (+105)
Anthony Beauvillier to score in Game 1 (+250)
