Senators (18-13-4) +$160 @ Islanders (15-18-4) -$190
Pick: Over 6 (-135)
Ottawa is an abysmal 12-36-5 in its last 53 road games, which somehow includes a three-game winning streak last March. They are also 2-4-1 in their last seven games overall, so the Senators are struggling to find their identity. Sure, rookie F Brady Tkachuk has been playing just as advertised and will be a pleasure to watch for Ottawa through the years but currently, their roster just hasn’t been meshing. F Matt Duchene and F Mark Stoneeen lethal forwards this season and can also contribute, but the Senators as a whole are just very unpredictable. However, since Nov. 17, Ottawa has put up four or more goals a healthy eight times in 18 games.
The Islanders are trending upward but are lacking some key players. They are still without F Andrew Ladd (lower body), F Jordan Eberle who sat out at practice with stiffness Thursday, and F Cal Clutterbuck (lower body). Watch out for F Josh Ho-Sang, who is itching to prove his worth to the organization and is trying to stick with the big club. He practiced on the top line Thursday so look for him to get his fair share of the ice. F Mathew Barzal can also take control of a game at any point with his innate speed and skill with the puck.
Both teams can score but their defensive corps and goaltending leave a lot to be desired. They have teamed up to hit the Over in four of their last six meetings, which is how we’re leaning in this spot.