New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, 12/31/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023

Location: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA

TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh

The New York Islanders (16-9-9) are en route to PPG Paints Arena on Sunday where they will compete against the Pittsburgh Penguins (16-13-4).

The New York Islanders had a rough game after their 7-0 loss against the Penguins in their previous outing. New York recorded 6 penalty minutes in this game. The Islanders left a lot to be desired in terms of their offense in this defeat. They also had 2 chances with the advantage but didn't get a goal. For the outing, they weren't able to convert any of the 22 shots they put on net.

At even strength, the Islanders have conceded 83 goals while getting 80 of their own. New York Islanders opponents have totaled 103 power play opportunities (25th in pro hockey) and have a total of 29 goals in those chances. In reference to their scoring, the New York Islanders have accumulated 103 goals (18th in the NHL) this year and have allowed 112. New York has tried 1,014 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 10.2%. For the year, they have scored 41 points and their points % is .603. The Islanders have seen 1,210 shots tried against them and hold a save percentage of .907. New York skates onto the rink with 95 power play opportunities and they have scored 23 goals during those advantages, garnering them a percentage of 24.21%.

The man protecting the net in this game is Ilya Sorokin. For his professional hockey career, Sorokin has accounted for 106 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .684. His save percentage currently sits at .921 for his 9,254 minutes in the crease. Sorokin has had 4,835 shot attempts taken against him and has amassed 4,454 saves. The opposition has been able to score 381 goals against Sorokin in his pro career and his goals against average per game is 2.47. He has an overall record of 80-51-25 and he was named the starter in 155 games. Sorokin has participated in 158 contests throughout his NHL career.

In their last game, Pittsburgh faced the Islanders in a matchup where the Penguins earned a win by a tally of 7-0. They had 3 opportunities on the power play in this contest but weren't able to put one in the back of the net. The Penguins scored 7 goals of the 32 shots on goal they pursued.

Pittsburgh has put up 1,086 shots (10th in pro hockey) and has accumulated a shooting percentage of 9.02%, while allowing their opponents 1,012 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 83.02% on their opponents 106 power play tries, and their save percentage sits at 91.2%. They have recorded 105 opportunities on the power play and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 13.33%. The Penguins have tallied 84 goals at even strength and 14 goals (26th in the NHL) while on the power play. They have allowed 89 goals to be scored by of a combination of 71 goals at even strength and 18 goals while they had less men on the ice. On the year, the Pittsburgh Penguins have tallied 98 goals, 36 points, and a points percentage of .545.

Across the ice you will find Tristan Jarry in goal. His opposition is averaging 2.63 goals per game and he has conceded 570 goals overall. Jarry's quality start rate sits at 60.6% and he has made 134 quality starting assignments in his pro career. He has been a starter 221 contests and has played 12,997 mins. Jarry is the owner of a lifetime record of 127-71-22 and has been in net for 229 contests. He has gathered 6,042 saves out of 6,612 shots tried, which gives him a save % of .914.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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