Here are The Game Day’s Bruins vs Islanders prediction and bets for the 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, including our Boston-New York Round 2 series preview.
Check out our 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs Power Rankings and 2021 Stanley Cup Winner Odds and Best Bets.
Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders Prediction: 2021 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Bet Picks Preview
Bruins vs. Islanders Schedule
Game 1: Saturday, May 29, 8:00 p.m. ET (NBC)
Game 2: Monday, May 31, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN, SN1)
Game 3: Thursday, June 3, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN, CBC)
Game 4: Saturday, June 5, 7:15 p.m. ET (NBC, SN, CBC)
Game 5: TBD
Game 6: TBD
Game 7: TBD
Boston Bruins Round 1 Recap
The Boston Bruins had an intriguing season overall, posting 73 points in the East Division, albeit in one of the weaker divisions. They wound up with a +32 goal differential, second-best in the competitive East Division. Boston eliminated the Washington Capitals in five games.
Boston was led by the “Perfection Line" as it is called — winger David Pastrnak (two goals, four assists), Brad Marchand (three goals), and center Patrice Bergeron (three goals, one assist). This team is not just the top line anymore, however. Charlie McAvoy had five assists in Round 1 versus Washington. Taylor Hall, Jake DeBrusk, and Craig Smith all chipped in with three points.
The Bruins received some stellar play from Tuukka Rask. Rask was one of the main reasons why Boston advanced past Washington in five games. He posted a stellar 1.81 goals allowed average and .941 save percentage. He had four quality starts which could be an indicator of a deeper postseason run.
Brock Nelson (center), Josh Bailey, and Anthony Beauvillier helped the Islanders advance to Round 2. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
New York Islanders Round 1 Recap
The New York Islanders had a solid year of their own with 71 points. They finished the season with a +28 goal differential, which was good enough to carry them to the fourth seed in the East Division. They sent the East’s top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins packing in six games.
New York had offensive production in Round 1 from many places, including center Brock Nelson (three goals. three assists) and left-wing Josh Bailey (three goals, three assists). Left-winger Anthony Beauvillier led the way with seven points on three goals and four assists. Tied with him was center Jean-Gabriel Pageau who had a goal and six assists. Center Mathew Barzal had just three points but saw more scoring chances as the series went on.
The Islanders had 25-year-old goalie Ilya Sorokin come of age in Round 1 and he thrived greatly with a .943 save percentage and allowed just nine goals on 159 shots (four wins in four starts).
Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders Matchup
The Islanders carry a balanced offensive attack that can help them compete with a very talented Boston Bruins’ offense. However, the Bruins are kind of facing a team very similar to themselves and could likely score some goals on Sorokin. Expect the Bruins and their balanced scoring to be the difference in this series along with the experience of Rask in net. I see this series going at least six games, but a series the Bruins ultimately win because they can wear down the Islanders with better even-strength and special-teams play.
Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders Prediction & Bet Pick
Bruins vs Islanders Series Prediction
Boston Bruins in 6 games
Bruins vs Islanders Bet Pick
Boston Bruins to win series (-200) at BetMGM
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