New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/14/2024 9:00 PM EST
We have your New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New York Islanders hit the road to face the Colorado Avalanche.
New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: New York Islanders +135 (bet365) / Colorado Avalanche -160 (bet365)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - New York Islanders -175 (BetRivers) / Colorado Avalanche +154 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -110 (BetRivers) / Over -105 (DraftKings)
Game Info
Date: 10/14/2024
Time: 9:00 PM EST
Location: Ball Arena (Denver, CO)
TV: ESPN+
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past three seasons, the New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche have faced each other four times. In these matchups, the Avalanche have emerged victorious in three games, while the Islanders have claimed one win. The home team has generally held the advantage, winning three out of the four games, with the visiting team securing just one victory. When it comes to covering the spread, the Islanders have been more successful, covering in three of the four games, whereas the Avalanche have covered only once. The games have tended to be high-scoring affairs, with the total score going over the set line in three instances and under in just one.
The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on January 2, 2024, where the Colorado Avalanche secured a 5-4 overtime victory against the New York Islanders. The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Islanders initially took the lead with goals from Pierre Engvall and Brock Nelson, but the Avalanche responded with goals from Devon Toews and Valeri Nichushkin. The game was tied at 4-4 at the end of regulation, with Nichushkin scoring twice for Colorado. Nathan MacKinnon clinched the win for the Avalanche with a goal just 32 seconds into overtime. The Avalanche were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -188, and they managed to cover the spread, which was set at -1.5. The total score of nine goals exceeded the closing over-under line of 6.5.
In terms of key statistics from the January 2 game, the Avalanche demonstrated offensive prowess with 39 shots on goal compared to the Islanders' 22. The Islanders, however, showcased strong defensive efforts with 31 blocked shots. The Avalanche capitalized on their power play opportunities, achieving a 40% success rate. In contrast, the Islanders managed to score one power play goal. The game was marked by a competitive edge, with the Islanders winning 25 faceoffs to the Avalanche's 28. Both teams displayed disciplined play, with the Islanders committing five penalties and the Avalanche just two. Goaltending performances were crucial, with Ilya Sorokin making 34 saves for the Islanders and Alexandar Georgiev stopping 18 shots for the Avalanche.
New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche Preview
The New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche are both in search of their first win of the 2024 NHL season as they face off at Ball Arena. The Avalanche, coming off a 6-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, are eager to capitalize on their home advantage. Despite the loss, Colorado's offensive firepower was on display with goals from Nathan MacKinnon, Miles Wood, Casey Mittelstadt, and Ross Colton. MacKinnon, the reigning NHL MVP, continues to be a formidable force, having recorded 140 points last season. His chemistry with Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar, who also have four points each this season, makes the Avalanche a potent threat.
On the other side, the Islanders are looking to rebound from a 3-0 shutout loss to the Dallas Stars. Despite the defeat, the Islanders showed resilience, particularly in the third period where they fired 15 shots on goal. Semyon Varlamov, who has started both games for the Islanders, will need to improve on his current .865 save percentage to give his team a fighting chance against Colorado's high-octane offense. The Islanders' penalty kill showed improvement against Dallas, successfully neutralizing both of the Stars' power play opportunities.
Historically, the Avalanche have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Islanders, winning three of their last four encounters. The Islanders have struggled in Denver, going 0-2-2 in their last four visits. However, they will look to draw inspiration from players like Brock Nelson, who has 13 points in 20 career games against Colorado, and Mathew Barzal, who has nine assists in 10 games against the Avalanche. The Islanders will also be without Valeri Nichushkin, who is serving a suspension, and Jonathan Drouin, sidelined with an upper-body injury, which could impact their depth.
As both teams aim to secure their first victory, the game promises to be a competitive clash. The Avalanche's offensive depth and home advantage could prove decisive, while the Islanders will need to rely on their defensive structure and capitalize on any scoring opportunities to turn the tide in their favor.
New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche Pick: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline
The Colorado Avalanche are poised to secure their first win of the season against the New York Islanders, and the odds are in their favor. Despite a rocky start with two losses, the Avalanche have demonstrated their offensive capabilities, scoring eight goals in their first two games. Nathan MacKinnon, the reigning NHL MVP, continues to be a dominant force, supported by Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar, both of whom have already accumulated four points this season. This offensive trio is a formidable challenge for any defense, and the Islanders will need to be at their best to contain them.
Historically, the Avalanche have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Islanders, winning three of their last four encounters. The Islanders have struggled in Denver, going 0-2-2 in their last four visits, which further tilts the scales in favor of the Avalanche. Additionally, the Islanders are coming off a 3-0 shutout loss to the Dallas Stars, where they failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities despite a strong third-period effort. Semyon Varlamov, who has started both games for the Islanders, has a save percentage of .865, which may not be sufficient against Colorado's high-powered offense.
Moreover, the Avalanche's home advantage at Ball Arena cannot be overlooked. The team is eager to bounce back from their recent defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets and will be motivated to deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd. With the Islanders missing key players like Valeri Nichushkin due to suspension and Jonathan Drouin due to injury, their depth will be tested, making it even more challenging to overcome the Avalanche's offensive depth.
Given these factors, the Colorado Avalanche are well-positioned to claim victory in this matchup. Their offensive prowess, combined with the Islanders' recent struggles and the home advantage, makes the Avalanche the favored pick for the moneyline.
New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche Top Player Prop Picks
Nathan MacKinnon Over 4.5 Shots On Goal -110 (DraftKings)
Nathan MacKinnon is a force to be reckoned with on the ice, and his ability to generate shots is a key component of his game. In the Avalanche's first two games of the season, MacKinnon has already demonstrated his offensive prowess, contributing to Colorado's eight goals. As the reigning NHL MVP, he is expected to lead the charge against the Islanders, who have struggled defensively, allowing three goals in their last outing against the Dallas Stars. With MacKinnon's track record of high shot volumes and his role as a central figure in the Avalanche's attack, the over on 4.5 shots on goal is a strong play.
Brock Nelson Over 2.5 Shots On Goal +110 (DraftKings)
Brock Nelson has been a consistent performer for the Islanders, and his ability to get pucks on net will be crucial in their matchup against the Avalanche. Nelson has a history of success against Colorado, having accumulated 13 points in 20 career games against them. With the Islanders looking to bounce back from a shutout loss to the Stars, Nelson's offensive contributions will be vital. The plus odds on Nelson to exceed 2.5 shots on goal present a valuable opportunity, especially considering his role as a key offensive weapon for New York.
Mikko Rantanen Over 3.5 Shots On Goal +100 (BetRivers)
Mikko Rantanen is another offensive juggernaut for the Avalanche, and his ability to create scoring chances is well-documented. Rantanen, alongside MacKinnon and Makar, forms a formidable trio that has already combined for multiple points early in the season. With the Islanders' defense under pressure, Rantanen is likely to find opportunities to test Semyon Varlamov, who has struggled with a .865 save percentage. Given Rantanen's offensive capabilities and the Avalanche's need for a win, the over on 3.5 shots on goal is a compelling choice.