Bruins vs Islanders: Preview and Predictions for Thanksgiving Eve Clash

The New York Islanders are set to host the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in what will be the final game for both teams before the Thanksgiving break. The Islanders, currently standing at 8-9-5, are looking to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. Despite the loss, Islanders Head Coach Patrick Roy remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for his team to believe in their strategy and prepare for the next challenge. “We could feel sorry for ourselves, but [we have to] roll up our sleeves and get ready for that next game,” Roy said after the defeat.

The Bruins, with a record of 10-10-3, are coming off a 2-0 shutout loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. This game marks the second half of a back-to-back set for Boston, with Joonas Korpisalo expected to start in goal after Jeremy Swayman played against the Canucks. Korpisalo has a 4-2-1 record this season with a 2.38 GAA and a .911 SV%.

The Islanders have struggled in the third period, allowing 33 goals, the most in the NHL this season. However, they have the best face-off win percentage in the league at 56.3%. Kyle Palmieri leads the Islanders in scoring with 19 points, including 10 goals, and has a strong record against the Bruins, having scored a hat trick in their last meeting on March 2nd.

Historically, games between the Bruins and Islanders have been high-scoring affairs. Seven of the last 10 games between the two teams have produced at least six goals, and the over is 5-1-1 in the last seven games overall. This trend suggests that the matchup could see an offensive explosion, with many predicting the total goals to go over 5.5.

Betting odds favor the Islanders at -130, with the Bruins as +110 underdogs. The over/under is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting the expectation of a high-scoring game.