Golden Knights vs. Islanders Odds
| Golden Knights Odds | +118 |
| Islanders Odds | -143 |
| Over / Under | 6 -107 / -114 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Vegas Golden Knights vs. New York Islanders on Tuesday, Jan. 23 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
After a humiliating loss to the Blackhawks on Friday, Isles GM Lou Lamoriello had seen enough and fired head coach Lane Lambert in favor of Patrick Roy.
While it wasn't a beautiful victory, Roy was able to lead the Islanders to a 3-2 overtime victory in his first game behind the bench.
He will now look to move to 2-0 as Isles' head coach in a favorable scheduling spot against a shorthanded Knights team that lost 6-5 last night in New Jersey.
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have been playing at a mediocre level for what has become a relatively large sample size. Over the last 15 games, they own a 6-8-1 record and have played to an expected goals rating of 48.93.
Injuries have been a valid excuse for their shaky play. William Karlsson, Shea Theodore, Jack Eichel and Adin Hill have been on the sidelines alongside several other NHL mainstays.
Vegas is also one of only eight teams to have played 47 games already, on the heels of its victorious marathon to win the Stanley Cup last June.
So while nobody should downgrade the Knights' upside moving forward too greatly, it is fair to say that they are not currently competing at the level we expect, especially based on their reputation and peak roster potential.
Coach Bruce Cassidy has confirmed that Hill will return from an undisclosed injury in this contest.
Hill has been sidelined since Dec. 17, but he had been in dominant form with a +12.6 GSAx and .933 save % in 15 appearances this season.
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New York Islanders
In a number of the more discernible areas of coaching influence in the NHL, the Islanders struggled badly under Lane Lambert this season.
There were consistent instances of illogical personnel usage in key moments, as well as a lack of organization in the defensive zone.
By no means is the Isles' roster perfect, but nobody would have projected the squad to be spending the most time in the league in their defensive zone this offseason, which has helped forced a fifth-worst 3.59 xGA/60.
We have seen high-profile ex-players such as Roy walk into NHL coaching jobs somewhat undeservingly and struggle. However, Roy has earned his second shot in the NHL based upon five seasons of excellent work with the Quebec Remparts, which culminated with a QMJHL championship in 2022-23.
Roy will be able to get more out of the Islanders roster. His recent comments about wanting to drive for more puck possession sound promising for a team in dire need, and his recent Remparts teams were known for well-organized defensive play.
The Islanders' 3-2 overtime victory over the Stars on Sunday was far from an oil painting. It required 42 saves from Ilya Sorokin, but it was clear that they did receive a boost from a new look behind the bench.
No in-season head coaching hire should be judged on their first matchup with a new team, at least not in terms of their side's systematic play.
Even with some of the worst defensive play in the league, the Isles' have scraped together a 20-15-11 record this season.
Sorokin has been excellent, and they have some legitimate scoring threats to pay off chances. If they can put together a sharper team game, their floor can be raised considerably.
Sorokin is expected to make the start tonight. His 10.9 GAR ranks 16th in the NHL this season, and he owns a .910 save % in 34 games played.
Golden Knights vs. Islanders
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Golden Knights are a more vulnerable side than we usually see due to their injuries. The rejuvenated Islanders should be able to make life tough for a shorthanded roster in this back-to-back spot.
Vegas has covered some middling recent play with opportunistic scoring, but that is not likely to be a recipe for success long-term.
The Islanders have been one of the worst defensive teams in the league up to this point, and they've still managed reasonable results due to their elite goaltending and offensive play. It will take time for Roy's systematical changes to take full effect, but when they do, it could lead to improvements because the Isles' flaws extend well beyond simple low-end personnel.
This is a good spot to target the Islanders grabbing two critical points and staying undefeated under Roy. Although a lot of the early value is gone, I would still back the Islanders with a small bet to win at anything better than -155.
Pick: New York Islanders Moneyline (-143 at BetRivers) | Play to -155
