The New York Islanders are scheduled to face the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Sunday 15 November at 04:00, and one source is backing the Islanders on the moneyline in a matchup shaped by recent form and head-to-head history.
The Islanders come into the game after a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. That result continued a strong stretch for New York, which has won seven of the last 10 meetings with the Ducks and also beat Anaheim 3-2 in the teams' last matchup at UBS Arena.
Why the Islanders are favored
Recent production is one reason the Islanders have the edge. Matthew Schaefer scored in the win over the Kings and leads the team with 11 points in the past 10 games. Over that stretch, the Islanders have also posted 4 wins, 3 losses and 3 overtime losses, while averaging 2.9 goals on 26.1 shots on goal with an 11.6% powerplay efficiency. Their penalty-killing efficiency sits at 89.1%.
Ilya Sorokin has also been a steadying factor in net, with 26 saves and a.929 save percentage in his most recent outing. That kind of goaltending matters in a game where New York has generally been comfortable against Anaheim.
What Anaheim brings into the matchup
The Ducks lost 4-2 at home to the Nashville Predators in their previous game. Their recent numbers point to a team that can score, but has also given up plenty on the other end. Anaheim has 6 wins and 1 overtime loss in the span referenced by the source, while averaging 4.5 goals and 26.0 shots on goal. The Ducks' powerplay efficiency is listed at 35.3%, but their penalty-killing efficiency is 78.0%.
At the player level, Cutter Gauthier has 18 points, including 14 goals and 4 assists. Leo Carlsson has added 15 points with 4 goals and 11 assists, giving Anaheim two of its most important offensive contributors.
The Islanders' recent form, stronger defensive profile and success in the head-to-head series are the main reasons the moneyline leans toward New York. The source also points to a correct score angle, with the game projected as a tight one rather than a wide-open matchup.
