Sean Murphy - New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders

Sean's 10* NHL THURSDAY NIGHT TOTAL DOMINATOR

Handicapper
Sean Murphy
League
NHL
Competition
New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders
Time
05/06/2021 07:08 PM
Bet Type
Over / Under
Pick
New Jersey Devils vs New York Islanders Over 5.5 (+103) (5D Reduced Juice)
Outcome
Loss
Analysis
My selection is on the 'over' between New Jersey and New York at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Islanders are coming off consecutive stunning losses against the lowly Sabres in Buffalo but find themselves well-positioned to bounce back at home on Thursday night. While my first look would generally be to the 'under' with New York coming off consecutive losses, here I'll go the other way and call for a relatively high-scoring affair against the Devils. Note that New York is averaging a whopping 5.1 goals per game when playing at home after losing two of its last three games this season. That situation has come up seven times and has resulted in an average total of 6.8 goals. Keep in mind, the Isles rested their top gun Mat Barzal two nights ago in Buffalo but I would expect him to be back in the lineup tonight. He is of course the team's leading point scorer by a longshot this season. The Devils have been a much higher-scoring team on the road this season with the 'over' going 15-9-1 with those games averaging 6.4 total goals. Note that New Jersey is averaging 3.4 goals per game when heading on the road following two or more consecutive home games this season. The Devils have been scoring with some consistency of late, putting up three goals or more in eight of their last 11 games and four or more in four of their last five. They've had to play a more wide-open style with their young stud defenseman Ty Smith sidelined. He re-aggravated an injury on Monday and could be shut down for the remainder of the season. While a key offensive contributor as well, Smith has been steadying force in the defensive zone for the Devils this season. Take the over (10*).

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