Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Philadelphia Flyers. Don’t forget to check out all the action on NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+, HULU
This matchup on NHL predictions features two Metropolitan Division rivals who are in similar positions in the standings squaring off. The Islanders seventh in the Metro with a record of 22-20-7. Through 49 games played that has them at 51 points. The Flyers sit just one spot ahead of New York in sixth. They hold a record of 23-23-6, through 52 games that has them at 52 points. This is the third matchup between these teams in the month of January. They have split the first two games which took place on Long Island. The last two meetings will take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The first is tonight and then the last meeting of this season will be in April.
The Islanders Story
The Islanders come into this game scorching hot, winners of their last five games in a row. The latest coming in an impressive 5-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche. This winning streak is the teams longest of the season and comes at a good time as they were falling behind in the standings. The offence has been a big reason for this success. While they still rank 28th in goals this season with 133. They have scored three or more in every game on this win streak. Their top guys have been leading the charge. Team point leader Anders Lee has 39 in 49 games during a resurgent season for him. He has piled up six goals and nine points in the last 10 games. Bo Horvat is right behind him in terms of points with 38 in 48 games. He extended his point streak to six games in the last game.
The defence and goaltending has been stellar as of late as well. The Islanders have not allowed more than two goals in any game on their win streak. That has them ranked 11th in goals against with 142. What make that feat more impressive is all the moving parts on the blueline recently. Losing two regulars in Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock. While bringing in two new players in Tony DeAngelo and Scott Perunovich. Those two have already made an impact, both recording their first points with the team in the last game. However, maybe the most impactful player has been Ilya Sorokin who has returned to elite form after struggling. Since Jan. 1 Sorokin is 6-2 with a .921 save percentage and 2.00 goals against. On the five-game winning streak, he is 4-0 with a .955 save percentage and 1.32 goals against. With backups Semyon Varlamov and Marcus Hogberg both hurt, Sorokin will be heavily leaned on going forward.
The Flyers Story
The Flyers come into this game the night after a 5-0 defeat to the New Jersey Devils. Their middle of the pack offence ranks 15th in goals with 151. Over the last few games however it has been a struggle to produce as they have been held under two goals in four of their last five. Travis Konecny continues to lead the way for them with 58 points in 52 games. He just had his three-game point streak snapped last night. In the month of January, he has four goals and 16 points in 14 games. Offence could be harder to come by if Owen Tippett has to miss time. He left last night’s game after taking a big hit. His status is something to keep an eye on for this game. If he misses time rookie winger Matvei Michkov could be leaned on for more offence. He has 34 points in 50 games and is in the heat of the Calder race for rookie of the year.
Defensively the Flyers are not as bad as the numbers would lead you to believe. Despite being 30th in goals against with 175. As a team they don’t allow many good chances, ranking second fewest in the league with 81. Their penalty kill doesn’t do them any favors, that unit is 20th in the league at 77.4%. However, the area that has let them down the most has been their goaltending. Starter Samuel Ersson got lit up for four goals before being yanked in their game against the Devils. He had been rolling before that going 6-1 in his last seven outings. For the season he is 15-9-2 with a .890 save percentage and 2.86 goals against. Since he started this game, backup Ivan Fedotov should get the start against the Islanders. He played the last time these two met saving 24 of 27 shots in their 3-1 loss. The season long numbers aren’t great for Fedotov. He holds a 4-6-3 record with .880 save percentage and 3.22 goals against.
Prediction
These teams are pretty evenly matched on paper. The Flyers have better offensive and special teams’ numbers. While the Islanders have the defensive and goaltending advantages. New York comes into this game as one of the hottest teams in the league and playing better hockey out of these two. In addition, this is a back-to-back for the Flyers while the Islanders are rested. These factors should lead to the Islanders being able to extend their win streak to six in a row.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Prop Bets
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. According to popular betting sites the odds on this game are even. Take the Islanders money line at -114. The over/under is set at 5.5. Due to the stingy Islanders defence and the Flyers not allowing a lot of chances we like the under at -110. As far as any time goal scorers for the Islanders take Mathew Barzal at +220. It has been five games since his last goal, so he is due for one. For the Flyers take Michkov at +330. The rookie is the team’s second leading goal scorer who also hasn’t scored in five games, meaning he should be due to pot one.
Main photo by: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 30 New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.