Islanders(+112)
Lightning vs. Islanders NHL Playoffs Game 4 (Archive)
The NY Islanders will be keen to bounce back in game 4 of their semi-final series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, the NHL odds are stacked against them significantly despite the Isles having home advantage tonight. So, can the hosts serve up the upset at home? We preview this game and serve up choice picks to consider.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. NY Islanders
Saturday, June 19, 2021 – 8:00 PM ET at Nassau Coliseum
Lightning Lead Series 2-1
The Tampa Bay Lightning are in front in this series for the first time and they’ll be looking to press home their advantage at the Nassau Coliseum before the series heads back to Tampa Bay. Consider they’re the defending Stanley Cup champions, it’s no wonder many top sportsbooks tip their chances favorably. Depending on the chosen book, the Lightning are priced anywhere between -125 and -130 on the NHL odds board.
The Bolts descended on the Islanders on Thursday for the first road game of the series. It was a defensive battle and a narrow victory for the Lightning, winning 2-1 on the road to the chagrin of Islanders’ fans.
Brayden Point’s sensational playoff form continued in game 3 as he got the tiebreaking goal to lift the Lightning to the victory. Yanni Gourde opened the scoring with his first period goal.
The Islanders outshot the Bolts 8 to 5 in the tight third period but Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has been one of the best goalies in the playoffs, was once again phenomenal between the posts and denied the Islanders any attempt to send the game into overtime.
Point was particularly pleased about his side’s defensive effort, more so than his winning goal. “They had some control late, something to look at,” Point said “We still had guys sacrificing, blocking shots and all that good stuff. We’ll take the win for sure.”
Islanders Under Pressure
The New York Islanders started this series brightly, but since surprising the Lightning at the Amelie Arena in game 1 they’ve struggled to keep any momentum going. As such, they enter game 4 as the firm underdogs in NHL betting markets.
The Isles have lost two on the trot – after losing 4-2 in Tampa Bay they failed to capitalise on home advantage and lost 2-1 at home. Even when pulling Semyon Varlamov for an extra skater with about 1:48 remaining they didn’t capitalise. Heck, they couldn’t manage a shot on goal.
Cal Clutterbuck scored for the Islanders, tying the game late in the second period. Varlamov finished with 23 saves and a .920 save percentage. If there was a bright spot, it’s the fact that they essentially played well and kept the Lightning on their toes, small consolation that is.
“Tampa’s good all around,” the Islanders’ Matt Martin said. “They’re the defending Stanley Cup champions and they know what it takes to win. … They know what they have to do in their D zone.”
NHL Predictions and Picks
The Islanders are faced with a must-win game if they hope to extend this series. Sinking into a 1-3 hole would be tantamount to disaster just before the series reverts back to Amelie Arena. However, the Islanders must figure out Vasilevskiy, who has only allowed five goals in this series thus far.
Vasilevskiy is the front-runner for the Vezina Trophy and for good reason. Indeed, it’s his play that has underscored Tampa Bay’s championship credentials in this series. And if he continues to be so stingy between the posts, he’ll practically win this series singlehandedly for the Lightning.
Tampa Bay’s offensive threat was contained in game 3. The Islanders didn’t take unnecessary penalties and if the Islanders want to win tonight they’ll need to be just as clean and stay out of the penalty box.
It’s been a close series and although the Islanders are the home underdogs there is no reason why they couldn’t split their home games with the Lightning and knot up the series. The Islanders are the choice NHL pick here but it’s not a sure bet by any stretch of the imagination.
NHL Pick: Islanders (+112) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.