The Chicago Blackhawks started quickly last season, but they're just 1-1-1 through their first three games this year as they prepare to host the New York Islanders on Friday.
Chicago opened its season with a 6-4 win over Washington but then lost 3-2 in a shootout to Tampa Bay and 3-2 in regulation time to St. Louis. The Islanders have picked up points in three straight games, going 2-0-1 this season.
New York is 2-1 against the total, while Chicago is 1-2 versus the number.
View New York Islanders vs Chicago Blackhawks Odds and Stats.
Bettors looking to side with the Blackhawks in this one found them earlier as -178 Favorite on the NHL money line at Sportsbook. Betting the over under instead? It was hovering near 5.5 at its open earlier today at Sportsbook and may have moved.
It's a hockey betting matchup between the No. 8-rated Blackhawks and the No. 5-ranked Islanders, according to the latest NHL power poll here at Odds Shark.
The Islanders were a 6-1 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against the Coyotes. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got New York at -120 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.
Chicago lost its last outing, a 3-2 result against the Blues on October 9. Bettors who backed the Blues at -117 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
How They Match Up:
The game also pits Chicago's No. 9-ranked offense, averaging 3.33 goals per game, against a Islanders defense that ranks No. 9 at 2.33 goals allowed. The Blackhawks power play is averaging 36.36% while the Islanders defense kills off 85.71% of their penalties.
Next up:
New York at Nashville, Saturday, October 12th
Chicago at Buffalo, Saturday, October 12th
