Published Dec 18, 3:42am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 18, 3:42am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 18, 3:42am ET
A fascinating contest in the NHL is set for UBS Arena on Dec 19, as Eastern Conference high-flyers New York Islanders host the Vancouver Canucks. Find our picks here.
The Islanders have been a consistent team in the NHL so far this term, going 19-12-3. However, they will need to respond on Friday following a defeat in their last game.
The Canucks currently sit bottom of the Pacific Division, but their confidence should be high after claiming wins in each of their previous two games.
The New York Islanders are undeniably one of the leading teams in the race for an Eastern Conference playoff spot this season.
At present, they sit second in the Metropolitan Division, but they will be wary that they could drop in the standings if results go against them on Thursday.
New York have gone 6-3-1 over their last ten, and they were beaten 3-2 by the Detroit Red Wings earlier this week. The Islanders have been reliable at home this season, going 10-6-2 at UBS Arena.
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It could be argued that the Vancouver Canucks bring the better momentum into this clash after winning each of their last two games.
However, the Canadian team remain at the bottom of the Pacific Division. They come into this clash with an overall record of 13-17-3, but they have gone 4-5-1 over their last ten.
The Canucks were at their clinical best earlier this week, as they recorded a 3-0 road success against the New York Rangers. Conor Garland and Evander Kane both scored goals in the win.
| TOTAL | Canucks | Islanders | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 128 | 50 | 65 | - |
| GOALS | 841 | 393 | 448 |
With home advantage on Friday, it will be challenging to take on the Islanders. They have been excellent at UBS Arena this season, while they have suffered defeats in just 32% of their previous home games against the Canucks in the NHL.
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Pick
New York Islanders
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