The Anaheim Ducks are set to face the New York Islanders tonight at 9:00 PM EST at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season, with the Ducks winning the first matchup 3-1. Anaheim will aim to snap a two-game losing streak, while New York looks to build momentum after winning 4 of their last 5 games.

 

Recent Performance
The New York Islanders (29-26-7) are looking to build momentum after a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets and 4-2 victory over the Sharks. These two wins were crucial, as the Islanders have been striving for consistency in their recent performances after making trades at the deadline. Despite trading key player Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche, the team remains focused on securing a playoff spot, currently sitting three points below the cutline to make it in.

 

The Anaheim Ducks (27-28-7) are aiming to rebound following a 4-3 home loss to the St. Louis Blues. The Ducks have faced challenges recently, including a two-game losing streak heading into this matchup tonight, the Ducks are looking to regain their form as they continue their homestand. In the month of march the Ducks have gone 1-4, they will look to play a structured game and keep things competitive. 

 

Team Records and Trends

New York Islanders

• Overall Record: 29-26-7
• Road Record: 14-13-5
• Power Play: 12.8% (31st in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 70.6% (30th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 5-5-0

 

Anaheim Ducks

• Overall Record: 27-28-7
• Home Record: 14-14-2
• Power Play: 12.6% (32nd in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 73.3% (28th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 5-4-1

 

Key Players to Watch

New York Islanders

• Bo Horvat – The Islanders’ top line scorer has 20 goals and 23 assists this season. His leadership, two-way play, and faceoff proficiency make him a key factor in New York’s offensive structure and attack.
• Kyle Palmieri – A consistent scoring threat, Palmieri has been a key piece for the Islanders over the years, contributing with his offensive instincts and veteran presence on the ice, he has 3 goals in his last 5 games.

 

Anaheim Ducks

• Troy Terry – Leading the Ducks with 47 points, Terry’s playmaking skills and offensive vision make him a constant threat. This season he has picked up 17 goals and 30 assists. He is the top option on the powerplay with 4 goals 6 assists on the man advantage.
• Frank Vatrano – With 19 goals this season, Vatrano’s shooting accuracy and offensive presence leads this Anaheim offence. He leads the team in goals scored and sits second on the team in points.

 

Injury Report

New York Islanders

• Mathew Barzal – Out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.
• Semyon Varlamov – Out with a lower-body injury.

 

Anaheim Ducks

• John Gibson – Day-to-day, game time decision tonight.
• Robby Fabbri – Injured Reserve.

 

Goaltending Matchup

New York Islanders

• Magnus Hellberg – Expected to start, Hellberg has stepped into the crease with a record of 2-2-0 in 7 games with a goals against average of 1.45 and a save percentage of .947 this season. In the AHL (where he usually plays) he is 2-5-5 with a 3.26 goals against average and .898 save percentage, seems like he plays better at the NHL level, maybe due to the stakes being higher for his career.

 

Anaheim Ducks

• Lukas Dostal – Projected starter, Dostal holds a 9-12-3 record with a GAA of 3.05 and a SV% of .908. John Gibson is listed as Day-to-day so we should see Dostal get the crease tonight, his play has been very impressive this season and he’s been on my radar since November, betting against the Ducks when he starts is something I tend to stay away from.

 

Game Outlook
Both teams are eager to secure a win to bolster their playoff aspirations, although they do seem out of reach they will still play for their dignity. Both teams will aim to capitalize on their recent play and improve their special teams performance, particularly their struggling power play units. The Ducks seek to exploit the Islanders’ inconsistencies and leverage their home-ice advantage to snap their losing streak. Key factors will include goaltending performances and the effectiveness of each team’s top offensive contributors.

 

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-BetOnBanana