New York Islanders vs Detroit Red Wings, Picks and Prediction, Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Use Code WWWC The New York Islanders face the Detroit Red Wings with both teams looking to improve on strong seasons. The Islanders are 19-11-3 and three wins in a row have them in second place in the Metropolitan Division while the Red Wings have an 18-12-3 record, which is second best in the Atlantic Division. Who will win this matchup? Check out our Islanders vs Red Wings prediction!
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Islanders are led by an incredible defense
The Islanders are having a great season despite their offense struggling and scoring only 2.94 goals per game. Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee have scored 17 goals and 28 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only four active skaters have seven goals or more, and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has carried the Islanders, allowing only 2.73 goals per game with only four goals in the last two games. Matthew Schaefer and Ryan Pulock have combined for 5.0 defensive point shares while Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield have combined for 3.7 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. Moreover, goaltender Ilya Sorokin has been incredible lately, with 8.7 goals saved above average and six goals in his last three starts.
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Key injury report for Islanders
- Bo Horvat is day-to-day. Has 19 goals and 12 assists.
- Kyle Palmieri (Torn ACL) is on injured reserve. Had six goals and 12 assists.
Detroit hopes offense keeps up its strong season
The Red Wings are putting together a great season with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.09 goals per game with 17 goals in the last five games. Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond have scored 35 goals and 59 assists while defenseman Moritz Seider has added four goals and 18 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has stepped up but the defense has struggled, allowing 3.24 goals per game. Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson have combined for 4.9 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. The hope is that goaltender John Gibson can build off a few strong starts as he’s allowed only three goals in his last three games.
Key injury report for Red Wings
- Patrick Kane (upper body) will miss the next two games. Has six goals and 17 assists.
Islanders vs Red Wings Pick
Money Line Pick For Islanders vs Red Wings
- Islanders (+110) (4 units)
The Islanders have looked great across the board, and I see them taking over this game from the first period. The Islanders should constantly find the back of the net against the Red Wings, who allow 3.24 goals per game, with Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Islanders, who have allowed only four goals in their last two games, should limit the Red Wings offense with Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Sorokin to make plenty of big saves. The Islanders should win the game with a strong performance on the road.
Take the Islanders money line as road Underdogs.
Over/Under Pick For Islanders vs Red Wings
- Under 5.5 (5 Units)
With two great defenses and better goaltenders, I see this game being a low-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Red Wings look to limit the Islanders' offense with John Gibson building off of three starts in his last three starts and blanking the shots on the net while Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson create plenty of turnovers. The Islanders should eliminate the Red Wings' offense with Ilya Sorokin building off of three starts where he’s allowed only six goals and blanking the shots on the net, while defensemen Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and the rest of the unit force turnovers in all three zones. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 5.5 goals.
The Islanders face the Red Wings in a matchup of two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
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