Over the last couple of online NHL betting weeks, the race at the top of the Metropolitan Division has been tightening up. While division-leading Washington Capitals have been able to hang on to their comfortable lead, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers have all been in close contention for the other top-two spots in the division.
As things currently stand, the Penguins and the Blue Jackets are currently tied for second in the Metropolitan with 77 points. The Rangers are still just two-points behind both Pittsburgh and Columbus. New York came one step closer to closing in on that lead three days ago when they picked up a tough win over the Blue Jackets at Columbus. However, the Navy Blazers were able to bounce right back the next day by picking up a 5-2 sportsbook win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, and in doing so were able to maintain their tie with Pittsburgh.
The Rangers will take to the ice once more Thursday night with a similar plight; to sneak into the top-three in the Metropolitan. But since they’re facing the Islanders, bragging rights for New York will undoubtedly be on the line. Let’s see which team most hockey betting sites will be siding with Thursday night.
ONLINE NHL BETTING ODDS – REGULAR SEASON – Thursday, February 16th
New York Rangers -1 (+250) 5 ½ (-115) -115
New York Islanders +1 (-300) 5 ½ (-105) -105
Despite the fact that the Rangers have racked up 15 more points than the Islanders, the sportsbooks still think this will be an extremely close contest. Nevertheless, the Rangers have indeed walked away with the favoritism.
After competing in 56 contests, the Broadway Bullies have amassed a record of 37-18-1 that yields the club 75 points. Additionally, the Rangers are coming into this contest riding a 6-game win streak that further puts into question the Islanders chances this Thursday night. The Rangos haven’t missed out on the online NHL betting postseason since before the 2004-05 lockout season and even if the Rangers fall out of the top-three within the Metropolitan, they will more than likely still be able to secure a Wild Card berth from the Eastern Conference.
The sportsbook underdog Islanders, who have qualified for the playoffs the last two years consecutively, have posted a 3-4 record in their last 7 games. After competing in 55 games, the Isles will be coming into Thursday’s matchup with a 25-20-10 record that yields the franchise 60 points for the season.
This contest will mark the third time these two New York franchises have faced each other. In the first round held way back on October 13th, the Rangers were able to walk away with a defiant 5-3 victory. The second round featured the Islanders playing on home court which was enough to help a team avenge their loss in the first contest by delivering a 4-2 win over the Rangers. The Islanders will once again be enjoying home field advantage on Thursday.
