LiontipsPittsburgh vs Islanders. Prediction and Betting Tips for NHL (May 18, 2021).
Command Analysis
Pittsburgh finished the regular season in good form, they were beaten only once in six games by Philadelphia (2:7). Goaltender DeSmith wasn't reliable at all in that game, and he had to be replaced in the third period. In the return match against the Flyers, the Pinwgins took revenge with a score of 7:3.
The Penguins started their Stanley Cup campaign at home. Their first opponent is the Islanders. Mike Sullivan's charges lost to the opponent in overtime (3:4). The team was unreliable in defense, which is why the opponent could create quite a lot of dangerous chances.
The Islanders, on the other hand, were on a downturn at the end of the regular season, which is why they were constantly losing points. In five games, the team won just once, over New Jersey (5:1). Striker Nelson gave a great performance, scoring a double. Also, the New York team was able to earn one point each in two games they lost: to Boston (2:3 OT) and to Buffalo (3:4 B).
The Islanders show their worst results away, although in the first game of the playoffs they managed to prevail over a rather strong opponent, Pittsburgh (4:3 OT). Striker Pageau scored the most points with one goal and two assists.
Trends
СтавкаGoal in each period - no
In two out of four head-to-head games, the teams didn't score in each period.
СтавкаIslanders to score 1st
In three out of five head-to-head games, the Islanders scored first.
Tip and bets
Pittsburgh did not play so reliably in defense in the opening game of the series, which is why they were defeated. The Penguins are capable of much more, and we believe that in the return game it is better to bet on the favorite.
Our prediction - Pittsburgh to win with a handicap (0)
In the head-to-head, the teams do not always show a productive game, and more often the clubs sit back in defense. So we wouldn't expect many goals today - take an opportunity to bet on the total to stay under 5.5. goals.
Second prediction - total under 5.5 goals
