NHL wagering online handicappers is giving a strong look at the New York Islanders as a potential sleeper team that can get back into the playoffs this year. Sbg global.com opened with the Islanders as a +9000 choice to win the Stanley Cup and a +2800 choice to win the Eastern Conference but you still may not want to make a future NHL bet on New York.
Steady Improvement
The Islanders finished last year with a record of 34-37-11 good for 79 points. While they finished 5th in the Atlantic Division and 13th overall in the Eastern Conference there was improvement in their play that did catch the attention of handicappers and fans. The big question now is if the Islanders can take advantage of a weak Eastern Conference and make the move into the top 8 for the post season.
Exciting Scorers
Matt Moulson was one of the big surprises and stars for the Islanders last year as he unexpectedly becomes the leading goal scorer on the team with 30. John Tavares scored 24 goals and amassed 54 points in his rookie season.
Youth Movement
The Islanders are one of the youngest teams in the league and have a total of 8 forwards that are 26 years of age or less. One of the reasons for optimism regarding the team is the fact that New York has been stockpiling such young talent for many years while they have drafted in good positions due to missing the playoffs. Many hockey experts think that the talent is about to jell into a valuable NHL bet force.
Hot Seat?
Third year coach Scott Gordon will be under pressure to make the playoffs after missing the post season in his first two years behind the bench. A slow start could cost him his job in the revolving door tradition of NHL head coaches. Gordon has said that the playoffs are the objective and that rebuilding is not a term that should be associated with this franchise.
Healthy Goaltender
A key to New York’s NHL wagering online success is goaltender Rick DiPietro, who was signed to a whopping 15 year deal in which he is in year five and yet has played in only 13 games in the past two seasons, which has been a backbreaker for this franchise. DiPietro is a former All-Star and is said to be at 100% heading into the season.