New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, Picks and Prediction, Thursday, October 9, 2025
Use Code WWWC The New York Islanders face the Pittsburgh Penguins with both teams looking to start the season strong. The Islanders missed the playoffs but have plenty of optimism following an offseason where they added the top pick and prospect in the draft. The Penguins are also rebuilding but have plenty of optimism following a 3-0 opening night win. Who will win this matchup? Check out our Islanders vs Penguins prediction!
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Islanders hope prospects take roster to next level
The Islanders are coming off a rough season and hope the offense improves after scoring only 2.71 goals per game. Bo Horvat and Anders Lee scored 57 goals and 54 assists but the rest of the offense struggled. The hope is that Calum Ritchie adds scoring up the middle and Matthew Schaefer adds a spark from the point, as the two prospects will be on the roster and poised to make an impact.
The offense looks to improve, and the same is true about a defense that allowed 3.13 goals per game last season. Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock lead the top pairing but the rest of the unit is a question mark, and the hope is that Matthew Schaefer is ready for the NHL, as he can add depth to the unit and make a great pair with Alexander Romanov. The bright spot is goaltender Ilya Sorokin, who was great last season with a .907 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against average on 1695 shots with 11.7 goals saved above average.
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Pittsburgh hopes defense continues playing well
The Penguins are coming off an impressive win and look for their offense to pick up where it left off after scoring three goals. Justin Brazeau and Evgeni Malkin scored two goals and two assists to lead the top two lines, but the rest of the offense stepped up as well. Connor Dewar, Anthony Mantha, and Blake Lizotte combined for a goal and two assists while defenseman Ryan Shea added an assist to open up the offense.
The offense was great but the defense stood out with a shutout. Kris Letang and Ryan Shea led the top pairing while Erik Karlsson and Parker Wotherspoon added depth to the unit, creating turnovers and limiting shots on the net. In addition, goaltender Arturs Silovs had a 25-save shutout and looks to prove he’s the starter moving forward.
Islanders vs Penguins Pick
Money Line Pick for Islanders vs. Penguins
- Penguins (+110) (4 units)
The Islanders look to make a statement in their first game, but the Penguins look to build off a strong win and take over this game on their home ice. The Penguins look to build off a three-goal game with Evgeni Malkin, Justin Brazeau, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence while creating open shots with quick passes. The Penguins should limit the Islanders' offense with Kris Letang, Ryan Shea, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Arturs Silovs to make plenty of big saves. The Penguins should win the game and provide great odds in the process as home Underdogs.
Take the Penguins money line as home Underdogs.
Over/Under Pick For Islanders vs Penguins
- Under 5.5 (5 Units)
Both teams have plenty of optimism on defense, and I see this game being a low-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Islanders should limit the Penguins' offense with Adam Pelech, 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 Penguins look to build off a shutout and eliminate the Islanders' offense with Kris Letang, Ryan Shea, Erik Karlsson, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in all three zones while goaltender Arturs Silovs blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 5.5 goals.
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