Islanders to extend winning streak against Canadiens

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We have a busy 10-game card ahead of us Thursday night. There's plenty of value on the board, but I see most in backing a couple of teams that still have a lot on the line. Let's look closer.

The Devils appear ready to pack things in and call it a season. Despite getting high-end goaltending from Jake Allen, the club has won just six of its 16 games since deadline day.

New Jersey has controlled only 44% of the expected goal share in that span, putting it in the company of teams like the Blue Jackets and Ducks. And things are only getting worse.

With the playoffs completely out of the picture, the Devils have shut down Jack Hughes. That removes the most dynamic player from a lineup already looking pretty thin.

There isn't much meat on the bone remaining for a New Jersey team playing out its final string of games, while the Maple Leafs have plenty of incentive to put their best foot forward.

Home ice in the first round is still on the table for Toronto. The club's also chasing history with a 70-goal campaign very much within Auston Matthews' grasp.

The Maple Leafs are in much better form than the Devils and have a lot more to play for. I expect that to shine through en route to a win inside 60 minutes.

Bet: Maple Leafs in regulation (-125)

The Canadiens stomped the Flyers last time they played, but don't let that result fool you. Montreal has played poorly lately, particularly on the defensive side of the ice.

The Habs have given up an alarming amount of shots, chances, and expected goals over the past 10 games and rank in the bottom three in each category.

The Islanders aren't the most prolific offensive team. However, they have some players at the top of the lineup who can make you pay, namely Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Noah Dobson.

Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault has performed well this season, but his game has dipped lately. He's allowed three goals or more in eight of the past 11 starts and won only three of those.

With just five goals against over the last four contests, New York is doing a great job limiting opposing offenses. Montreal will have difficulty keeping up offensively with an Islanders squad still trying to clinch a playoff spot.

New York has won five in a row and six of seven. Look for the red-hot Islanders to pick up another two points in regulation.

Bet: Islanders in regulation (-135)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.

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