Facing McDavid, Gm 21: Islanders vs. Oilers, Line Combos, Betting Odds & More

EAST MEADOW, NY–The New York Islanders (12-8-0) are back home after a four-game road trip as they host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers (10-9-0) at UBS Arena Wednesday night. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 PM ET.

The Edmonton Oilers were the last victims of the New Jersey Devils, losing 5-2 back on Sunday. They are 4-6-0 over their last 10 games.

All hands were on deck at the New York Islanders morning skate. Ilya Sorokin was the first goaltender off as he will make his 15th start of the season.

The Islanders had a few injury scares in their loss to the Maple Leafs, as Brock Nelson went to the locker room early with a knee injury. Kyle Palmieri was forced to leave the game after being hit up high by Mike Reilly (IR), and Zach Parise limped off later on.

All three players were on the ice for the optional morning skate. All three took part in the line rushes.

Oilers captain Connor McDavid leads the league in goals (16) and points (35) and is tied for third in assists. He trails Islanders forward Mathew Barzal by one assist.

The last time the Islanders faced the Oilers, they defeated them 3-2 in overtime as Noah Dobson scored the first overtime winner of his career. The Islanders held McDavid to three shots and an assist through regulation, and despite Leon Draisaitl scoring a goal (deflection off a defenseman in front), he was held shotless through regulation, getting a shot in overtime.

It’s rather difficult to stop these two, so how does one contain them?

“You just try to do it by committee,” New York Islanders forward Matt Martin said. “Try not to take too many risks while they’re on the ice. You want to make them earn everything. Get pucks deep and make them come 200 feet and stay above them.”

“Obviously, they’re great players, and they can still get their opportunities, but the harder you can make it on them, the better the chance is that you’re going to have success.”

NEW YORK ISLANDERS LINES (PROJECTED)

Josh Bailey— Mathew Barzal — Oliver Wahlstrom

Anders Lee — Brock Nelson — Anthony Beauvillier

Zach Parise— Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Kyle Palmieri

Matt Martin — Casey Cizikas — Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech— Ryan Pulock

Alexander Romanov — Noah Dobson

Sebastian Aho — Scott Mayfield

Ilya Sorokin

Semyon Varlamov

EDMONTON OILERS LINES (PROJECTED)

DRAFTKINGS BETTING CORNER

Do you think the New York Islanders will beat the Edmonton Oilers? You can get the Islanders at -120, +215 on the puck line. The Oilers come in at +100, -120 on the reverse puck line.

The over for the contest is 6.5 at -1110, with the under also at -110.

Head over to DraftKings to place your bets now!

HOW TO WATCH

Wednesday’s contest will be available on MSGSN. On the radio dial, the game can be heard on 1050 AM ESPN, 88.7 FM WRHU, and 103.9 FM LI News Radio.