{"id":397061,"date":"2026-01-08T06:30:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/397061\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T06:30:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T06:30:08","slug":"islanders-at-predators-odds-picks-and-predictions-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/397061\/","title":{"rendered":"Islanders at Predators odds, picks and predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Islanders<\/a> (24-15-4) and Nashville Predators<\/a> (19-19-4) meet Thursday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s<\/a> NHL odds around the Islanders vs. Predators odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2024-25 series: Tied 1-1<\/p>\n

The Islanders rolled to their third win in 4 games Tuesday with a dominant 9-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils. New York cashed as a -210 home favorite as the Over (6.5) hit with ease. G Ilya Sorokin recorded his fourth shutout of the season, stopping all 44 shots. LW Anthony Duclair notched a hat trick, his first in more than 6 years, after returning from a healthy scratch.<\/p>\n

The Predators dropped a 6-2 decision against the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday, losing as +120 road underdogs while the Over (6.5) hit. Nashville went 0-for-2 on the power play. C Ryan O\u2019Reilly and D Nick Blankenburg scored, while G Juuse Saros made 37 saves, but surrendered a hat trick to Oilers C Connor McDavid.<\/p>\n

Watch the NHL on Fubo!<\/a><\/p>\n

Islanders at Predators odds<\/p>\n

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook<\/a>; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub<\/a> for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:39 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n

Moneyline (ML): Islanders -102 (bet $102 to win $100) | Predators -118 (bet $118 to win $100)Puck line (PL)\/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders -1.5 (+230) | Predators +1.5 (-295)Over\/Under (O\/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)Islanders at Predators projected goalies<\/p>\n

Ilya Sorokin (13-10-2, 2.44 GAA, .915 SV%, 4 SO) vs.\u00a0Juuse Saros (16-14-3, 3.03 GAA, 3.03 SV%)<\/p>\n

Sorokin opened 2026 in dominant fashion, recording a shutout in his first start of the year by stopping all 44 shots against New Jersey, his fourth shutout this season and 26th of his career. Results against the Predators have been less consistent, however. Sorokin is 1-3-0 in his last 5 starts versus Nashville with a 3.67 GAA and .870 SV%. His most recent meeting came April 8, 2025, when he allowed 4 goals on 23 shots before being pulled in a 7-6 overtime loss.<\/p>\n

Saros has endured a difficult start to 2026, posting a 1-2 record through 3 appearances with a 4.05 GAA and .864 SV%. He allowed 6 goals in his most recent start Tuesday against Edmonton. Despite recent struggles, Saros has historically fared well against the Islanders, compiling a 7-2-0 record with a .903 SV% and 2.76 GAA. His last meeting with New York came in 2021, when he made 34 saves in a shootout win.<\/p>\n

Islanders at Predators picks and predictionsPrediction<\/p>\n

Islanders 3, Predators 2<\/p>\n

I\u2019m backing the ISLANDERS (-102) on the moneyline Thursday night. They\u2019re playing their best hockey of the season right now, winning 5 of the last 7 and coming off that 9-0 blowout, which is the kind of win that gives a team real confidence heading into a road trip.<\/p>\n

What I trust most is New York\u2019s structure. The Islanders defend well, limit quality chances and have Sorokin back in top form. His recent shutout was a reminder of how big an edge he can be, especially against teams that struggle to finish.<\/p>\n

Nashville comes home after a 7-game road trip and still hasn\u2019t found consistency offensively at even strength. That\u2019s a tough matchup against a disciplined Islanders team that doesn\u2019t give much away. Even on the road, New York feels like the more complete and reliable side here.<\/p>\n

PASS.<\/p>\n

I would not fault you for taking the Islanders -1.5 (+235) on the puck line, but I’m staying safe on the moneyline.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m staying away from the total in this one. The recent trends suggest the Over, but the head-to-head history doesn\u2019t give a clear lean, and that makes it tricky. Sorokin is also playing at a high level right now, which could completely shut down Nashville\u2019s scoring. With too many mixed signals, I don\u2019t see a clean edge on the number. I\u2019d rather AVOID the total and stick with the side.<\/p>\n

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com<\/a> and BetFTW<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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