New York Islanders vs Toronto Prediction 3 January 2025

🔊 Will the "Islanders" take a home revenge for yesterday's defeat? The Islanders and Toronto will play for the second time in two days. The first meeting in Canada was dictated by the "Maple Leafs". Currently, the teams have very different tournament objectives: the current hosts are fighting for a spot in the Eastern playoff eight, while the Canadians are trying to reach the top spot in the conference.

📊 Head-to-head

In the current regular season, the opponents have met twice and exchanged victories. First, the "Islanders" prevailed (6:3), and then the "Maple Leafs" returned the favor (3:1). The most productive player in those encounters was Toronto forward William Nylander, who scored a double in the first game and added two assists in the second match. The player is in excellent form and has scored points in nine out of the last ten games.

🟠 Islanders

The "Islanders" are still outside the Eastern playoff eight, and with each round, their chances of making the playoffs are diminishing. In the last five matches, Patrick Roy's team suffered three defeats - against Buffalo (1:7), Pittsburgh (2:3), and Toronto (1:3). It seems that the New York players cannot cope with the task at hand and turn the season around. They make too many mistakes in defense and look quite pale in attack. Another defeat from the Canadian club on this background will certainly not be a surprise.

🔵 Toronto

Craig Berube's team has returned to their notorious defensive model and, after a series of defeats, finally got back on the winning path. In the last three matches, the "Maple Leafs" won twice - against Detroit (5:2) and the Islanders (3:1). These local successes were needed more than ever. Toronto is just four points behind the top spot in the East and is quite capable of fighting for leadership in the conference. At the same time, the team regularly minimizes risks and tries to achieve positive results with minimal effort. This team no longer rushes into massive attacks.

🔗 Probable lineups

Islanders: Sorokin - Romanov, Dobson - Lee, Barzal, Pageau

Toronto: Woll - Myers, Rielly - Marner, Tavares, Knies

🥅 Goalkeepers

Islanders' goalie Ilya Sorokin had a pretty good first game against the "Maple Leafs" and saved 22 out of 25 shots on his goal. The Russian made several excellent saves but was unable to secure a victory for his teammates.

Toronto's goalie Joseph Woll, on the other hand, showcased all facets of his talent and capitulated only once after saving 96% of shots on his goal in the first game. The American once again proved that he can make a difference on the ice and bring his teammates much-desired points.

📝 Editorial prediction

The recent games of Toronto in the regular season have not been highly productive. The team's star-studded attack is not impressive at all. Meanwhile, the Islanders diligently "dry up" their opponents. We tend to believe that the "Islanders" will once again try not to give their opponent many chances in attack and will reduce the game to a minimal number of goals. Our key bet is Toronto's individual total under 3.5 pucks.