Penguins vs. Islanders NHL Playoffs Odds and Game 3 Pick — May 20th, 2021

By Carlos Chacon • May 20, 2021

The series is tied 1-1 after the Penguins claimed a narrow 2-1 win against the Islanders, making the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs more exciting than it already is. We’ve seen several upsets along the way, explosive performances from players, and the upcoming Islanders vs. Penguins game promises the same level of thrill from start to finish.

Now that the Penguins can level the scoreline, they enter the next game with momentum and heads up high. Meanwhile, the Islanders are looking to bounce back from the loss in front of their home crowd this Thursday.

With all that, the NitroBetting news team delivers essential information in your direction. Explore important team details, key players, the latest NHL odds, betting trends, and expert betting predictions–all of which are geared towards better picks. Don’t forget to check out more Hockey odds and lines at our online BTC sportsbook before placing your bets!

Penguins vs. Islanders Game 3 Information

When: Thursday, May 20, 2021, 7:00 PM ET
Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York
TV: NBCSN, SN360, MSG, MSG+, ATTSN-PT
Radio: 105.9 FM The X (Penguins) // WRHY 88.7 FM (Islanders)
Live Stream: NHL Live
NHL Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Penguins (-108) / OU: 5.5

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins?

The Pittsburgh Penguins came away with a close 2-1 victory in Game 2 thanks to goals by Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust that came in early. Despite losing the first game, they were able to recover and claim the win on Tuesday to tie the series.

As soon as they took the two-goal lead from the first period, it was all smooth sailing from there as the Islanders had difficulty creating opportunities. By the time the Islanders pulled themselves together, the Penguins’ defense was already ironclad.

What sets them apart from the Islanders, especially early in that game was their aggressiveness in trying to force giveaways.The strategy frustrated New York, so expect Pittsburgh to do the same in Game 3.

Why Bet on the New York Islanders?

The Islanders drew first blood at the start of the series in a 4-3 overtime thriller. However, it was too late for the team to make a comeback when they started to heat up in Game 2. Josh Bailey was able to narrow the deficit to 1 goal after cutting to the slot and hitting a backhand. This was not enough to take over the pace of the game.

In the upcoming Islanders vs. Penguins game, we anticipate a more involved Semyon Varlamov after he put on a show in Game 2 which kept the Islanders in the game. Additionally, Scott Mayfield’s 7 shots on goal in the previous game make us think that he can make significant contributions this Thursday.

The Islanders are in dire need of changes if they want to keep the pressure on the Penguins. Catching the tempo early on is crucial as it took a while before the Islanders started to gel in the game.

Penguins vs. Islanders Betting Trends

The Penguins are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The Penguins averaged 4.2 goals per game in their last 10 away games.
The totals have gone over in 5 of the Penguins’ last 10 games.
The Islanders are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
The Islanders conceded 2 goals or more in their last 3 games.
The totals have gone under 5 times in the Islanders’ last 10 games..

Penguins vs. Islanders Expert Betting Predictions

The Penguins now have momentum, and past results tell us that they have a slight edge over the Islanders. The Isles can’t afford to go down 2-1 as it poses more challenges along the way. We expect a more focused Islanders team and a Penguins team keeping up pace, which makes this game interesting to watch and bet on.

Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest NHL betting odds and more in our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.