New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

The New York Islanders (22-8-4) kick off a two-game set against the Pittsburgh Penguins (21-11-2) on Saturday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Islanders at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

Islanders at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (14-6-3, 2.20 GAA, .923 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (13-8-2, 2.82 GAA, .909 SV%)

Varlamov turned aside 29 of the 32 shots he faced Thursday in Boston for a 4-3 win in overtime. That snapped a two-game mini-losing streak. Overall in March he has posted a solid 5-2-0 record, 2.28 GAA and .919 SV% in seven starts. He hasn’t had great success against the Pens this season, however, going 1-2-2 with a 3.12 GAA and .894 SV% in five starts.

Jarry registered a win against Buffalo on Wednesday, allowing just two goals on 28 shots to pick up his first win in three outings. He has gotten well against the lesser teams this month, but he has also fared well against the Isles, too. Jarry is 3-1-0 with a 2.47 GAA and .917 SV% in four starts against New York so far this season.

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Islanders at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks Prediction

Penguins 3, Islanders 1

Money line (ML)

The PENGUINS (-105) are short ‘dogs at home despite their dominance against the Islanders (-110) this season. That’s because New York comes in with five wins in the past six on the road. They’re playing in the fourth game in six days, and they’re a perfect 7-0 in the past seven in a 4-in-6 situation.

While that’s all well and good, the Isles are just 1-4 in the past five meetings, and they have won just 13 of their past 46 trips to the Steel City. Until the Isles start ticking off regular wins against the Pens, back the home side.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Penguins +1.5 (-300) will cost you three times your potential return if you’re looking for a little insurance. Don’t do it, just bet the money line instead. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-125) is worth a look, as that has been the dominant trend for both sides lately. The Under is 7-1 in Pittsburgh’s past eight and 4-1-2 in the previous seven at home for the Pens. The Under is also 12-3-1 in the previous 16 as a road favorite for the Isles.

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