The Carolina Hurricanes have stumbled over themselves a little bit of late, winning just five of their past 10 games.
They’ll attempt to return to their usual dominance on home soil against a divisional foe they’ve excelled against in recent years.
My Islanders vs. Hurricanes predictions see Carolina’s offense – led by the red-hot Shayne Gostisbehere – shining against a New York team that has won only 12 of 32 games this season.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for December 17.
Islanders vs Hurricanes prediction
My best bet
Shayne Gostisbehere Over 0.5 points (-120 at DraftKings)
My analysis
Shayne Gostisbehere has been one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL this season – particularly of late.
He has points in 11 of his last 15 games, over which time he’s put up 15 in total. Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski are the only two defensemen in the league with more points than Gostisbehere during that span.
Gostisbehere has done his best work on home soil. He has a point in 63% of his home games this season and has found the scoresheet in eight of the last 10.
One reason for that is the Carolina Hurricanes’ ability to control matchups. He sees next to no time behind Jordan Staal and the Hurricanes’ matchup line, instead getting cushy usage behind their top offensive players. Clearly, that helps Gostisbehere and his ability to impact the game offensively.
Gostisbehere has a sneaky-good matchup against the New York Islanders. Carolina has had their number in recent games, scoring 19 goals over the last five head-to-head meetings. The Hurricanes scored four times in four of those matchups.
The Islanders have also struggled to limit offense from opposing defensemen all season long. They’ve allowed 17 goals and 78 points to blueliners, which is 4th-most in each category.
Carolina’s team total sits at 3.5 and they average a league-leading 3.94 goals per game on home soil. The offense should produce in this spot and Gostisbehere will likely be a driving force.
Islanders vs Hurricanes same-game parlay (SGP)
Shayne Gostisbehere Over 0.5 points
Shayne Gostisbehere 2 shots
Carolina team total Over 2.5
Gostisbehere has shot the puck very efficiently of late. He has recorded multiple shots in three consecutive games and eight of the last 10 when playing in Carolina.
The Islanders have given up a lot of shot volume to defensemen, conceding more shots to the position than all but six teams on a per-game basis.
Carolina enters this game as big favorites on the moneyline. They have scored in bulk in winning efforts, finding the back of the net at least three times in each of their 19 wins this season.
Given they are the NHL’s best offense on home soil, and have a strong track record of scoring against a generally-stingy Islanders team, three goals doesn’t seem a lot to ask in this spot.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Islanders vs Hurricanes odds
Islanders vs Hurricanes live odds
Islanders vs Hurricanes opening odds
- Puck line: New York +1.5 (-135) | Carolina -1.5 (+117)
- Moneyline: New York +201 | Carolina -234
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-116) | Under 5.5 (+101)
Islanders vs Hurricanes trend
Shayne Gostisbehere has points in 11 of his last 15 head-to-head meetings with New York. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Hurricanes. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Hurricanes.
How to watch Islanders vs Hurricanes
| Location: | Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC |
| Date: | Tuesday, 12-17-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN+, Hulu |
Islanders vs Hurricanes latest injuries
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