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Los Angeles (26-23-15) at NY Islanders (37-23-5)
- When: Mar 13 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, NY, USA
- TV: FDSW
Los Angeles vs NY Islanders NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: NY Islanders -138
Spread: NY Islanders -1.5 (+185)
Total: 5.5
New York Islanders Betting Breakdown
New York returns home looking to strengthen its playoff position in a tight Eastern Conference race. The Islanders delivered a dramatic result in their last outing, rallying from three goals down to defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 in overtime. Mathew Barzal scored the game winner, pushing the Islanders to a remarkable 10-0 record in overtime games this season.
That victory allowed New York to finish its four game road trip with a respectable 2-2-0 record while keeping the team firmly in the postseason picture. The Islanders entered the week tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins at 79 points for second place in the Metropolitan Division. They also remain in a tight cluster of teams battling for playoff seeding that includes the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and the surging Columbus Blue Jackets.
Since mid January, New York has played solid hockey with a 12-8-0 record. The Islanders have been able to string together momentum more consistently than many of their competitors, posting seven different winning streaks since December. That ability to bounce back and stack wins has been critical during this intense playoff chase.
Barzal continues to be one of the club’s offensive catalysts while the Islanders rely heavily on their structure, defensive discipline, and ability to capitalize in key moments. Playing at home in a meaningful late season matchup gives New York a strong opportunity to secure two valuable points.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Breakdown
Los Angeles arrives in Elmont facing a very different type of playoff battle. The Kings sit at 67 points and are currently tied with the Seattle Kraken for the Western Conference’s second wild card spot. Seattle holds a slight edge with a game in hand, which adds pressure on Los Angeles to collect points whenever possible.
The Kings have struggled to find consistent form over the past month. Since February 1, Los Angeles has dropped eight of its last 11 games. Despite the uneven results, the front office made aggressive moves to boost the roster by acquiring Artemi Panarin and Scott Laughton before the trade deadline.
Panarin has made an immediate offensive impact with eight points in eight games since joining the Kings. Laughton has also contributed early with three points in his first three games with the team.
Los Angeles has also experienced changes behind the bench. Head coach Jim Hiller was replaced by D.J. Smith on March 1, and the Kings have posted a 2-2-1 record since the coaching switch.
The inconsistency has been noticeable for months. Since the beginning of December, Los Angeles has managed to win consecutive games only three times. Even in Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime loss to Boston, the Kings struggled offensively with just 16 shots on goal. Drew Doughty scored late to force overtime before the Bruins secured the extra point.
NHL Betting Prediction
The Islanders enter this matchup as -138 moneyline favorites with the total set at 5.5 goals. New York has been the more stable team recently and benefits from home ice along with strong situational play in tight games.
Los Angeles has added talent but continues to search for rhythm, particularly offensively. The Kings’ recent scoring struggles and the Islanders’ structured style suggest a slower paced contest.
Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Kings 2
Pick: NY Islanders ML (-138)
Total: Under 5.5 (-112)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
