LiontipsPittsburgh vs Islanders. Prediction and Betting Tips for NHL (May 16, 2021).
Command Analysis
Pittsburgh had an excellent regular season and finished at the top of the Eastern Division. Towards the end of the regular season, the team improved their game and developed a three-game winning streak, thanks to which they got the same amount of points as Washington. The Penguins beat Philadelphia (7:3) and twice fought off Buffalo at home with a score of 8:4 and 1:0.
The Penguins became the division's highest-scoring club and second in the entire League. At home, Peter Laviolette's charges play great and have lost only four games in regulation time. However, the team still has to play without Evgeny Malkin, his appearance in the first matches against the Islanders remains in question.
The Islanders looked great in the middle of the regular season and have often won thanks to their defensive actions. Recently, however, the team constantly had problems, even with outsiders. For example, the Islanders lost twice to Buffalo and then to New Jersey.
Therefore, we can't say that they came to the start of the Stanley Cup in optimal form. The opponents started to read their defense and adjust to it, and the islanders have been conceding on average two goals per game. Barry Trotz's charges themselves rarely score more than two goals, especially when playing away.
Trends
Ставка1st Period: Total Under 1.5
In four out of five Islanders' games, less than two goals have been scored in the first period.
Ставка2nd Period: Pittsburgh To Score
In three games in a row, Pittsburgh scored in the second period.
Tip and bets
We think Pittsburgh are the favourite of this series. They performed played well in the regular season and in general looked better than the Islanders, who were losing even to outsiders. In recent games, the Penguins often beat the Islanders, therefore, they should win against them at home.
Our first prediction is Pittsburgh to win.
In the first game of the playoffs, the teams will certainly try to reduce risks and carefully play in defense. Moreover, the Islanders have always been known for scoring very few goals. That is why we suggest betting on the total under.
Second bet - total under 5.5 goals.
