- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Detroit (5-2-0) at NY Islanders (3-3-0)
- When: Oct 23 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, NY, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Detroit vs NY Islanders NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: NY Islanders -135
Spread: NY Islanders -1.5 (+190)
Total: 5.5
New York Islanders Betting Outlook
The Islanders are heating up early in the season, riding a three-game winning streak into this matchup with Detroit. The talk of Long Island right now is rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who’s playing like a seasoned veteran despite being only 18. The top pick in June’s draft already has points in six straight games, the longest rookie streak by an 18-year-old in over 30 years.
Schaefer’s energy and production have electrified the Islanders’ lineup, giving a much-needed spark to a team that missed the postseason last year. He’s logging heavy minutes, quarterbacking the top power-play unit, and showing poise that’s rare for a teenager. Veteran captain Anders Lee credits Schaefer for “getting the team going,” and it’s showing, New York’s offense has found rhythm, averaging over three goals per game during the streak.
Defensively, the Islanders have tightened up around goaltender Ilya Sorokin, limiting high-danger chances and thriving in close games. With home ice and momentum on their side, the Isles are in a prime spot to extend their win streak and continue climbing the standings.
Detroit Red Wings Betting Outlook
The Red Wings enter this matchup after having their five-game winning streak snapped in a 4-2 loss to Buffalo. It wasn’t their sharpest outing, too many penalties, sluggish starts, and getting outshot early put them in a hole they couldn’t dig out of. Still, Detroit has been one of the league’s early surprises, averaging over three goals per game and showing offensive balance across all lines.
Captain Dylan Larkin has been on fire, driving play at both ends, while J.T. Compher continues to provide depth scoring. But against Buffalo, the Wings lacked their usual rhythm, struggling to generate sustained pressure and losing special-teams battles that had previously gone their way.
Head coach Todd McLellan will expect a stronger response, especially after a night of mental mistakes and undisciplined penalties. The Red Wings have proven resilient early this year, but facing a surging Islanders team on the second night of a back-to-back is a tall task.
NHL Prediction & Betting Angle
Detroit’s offense has been red-hot, but playing on tired legs against one of the league’s most structured defensive teams spells trouble. The Islanders’ confidence, home-ice advantage, and goaltending edge should carry the night, while Detroit’s penalties could once again prove costly.
Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Red Wings 2
Pick: NY Islanders (-135)
Total: Under 5.5 (+110)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
