Betting tips from AI for New York Islanders vs Seattle Kraken, 23 November 2025.

This sets up as a classic grind at UBS Arena, but the edges stack up for the Islanders. New York is trending in the right direction under Patrick Roy, tightening gaps and protecting the slot far better over the past two weeks. That’s amplified by Ilya Sorokin’s form; in low-event games his rebound control and post integration are difference-makers. Pair that with a raucous building—alumni in the house and a team climbing toward the Metro lead—and the Isles’ baseline home edge nudges up a notch despite a modest 4-3-1 home record.

The headline for New York is Bo Horvat. He’s tied for third in the league in goals and drawing rave reviews for leadership—exactly the profile you want against a disciplined opponent. Seattle’s defensive structure has improved under Lane Lambert, but their penalty kill remains a soft spot. In a tight, whistle-driven game, a couple of Horvat bumper looks or net-front deflections could flip expected goals into actual goals. If the Islanders get two or three full power-play opportunities, that PK gap becomes one of the biggest leverage points on the board.

Seattle’s confidence is real after wins over Vegas and Edmonton, and Joey Daccord has been sturdy, allowing two or fewer in roughly half his starts. But the schedule bite matters: second leg of a back-to-back after Pittsburgh is a taxing spot for a team that leans on pace through the neutral zone. Tired legs show up most on the kill and in puck support on exits—two areas New York has recently exploited by chipping pucks behind pressure and cycling with purpose. Expect Roy to hard-match for clean-zone exits and attack Seattle’s second pair.

Yes, the Kraken have owned this series lately (4-0 since 2023–24), creating a mental hurdle. The counter is that today’s Islanders, with a confident Horvat core and a sharper defensive identity, are better suited to win one-goal, late-possession contests than they were in those prior meetings. Given six of New York’s last seven have finished under six goals, this likely plays to a razor-thin margin where elite goaltending and special teams weigh heavier than usual.

At prices, the Islanders at 2.00 imply about a 50% win rate; with rest, goaltending, and special-teams tilt, I project 54–57%, creating a favorable edge. Seattle at 3.15 needs ~32%—too rich given the spot. The Draw at 4.25 is tempting in a low-total script but still short of my projection (~20–21%). The value play is straightforward: back New York to snap the Kraken run and grind out a regulation-tilting, Sorokin-backed win.

This matchup at UBS Arena presents a fascinating clash of narratives: the surging New York Islanders against the Seattle Kraken, a team that has been their kryptonite. While the Kraken boast a perfect 4-0 record against the Islanders since the 2023-24 season, the underlying factors heavily favor a reversal of fortune. The Islanders, playing under the defensively astute Patrick Roy, have transformed into a formidable unit. Their recent defensive surge, coupled with the world-class goaltending of Ilya Sorokin, makes them incredibly difficult to break down.

Offensively, the Islanders are firing on all cylinders, led by Bo Horvat, who is in the midst of a career-best scoring run. His leadership and clutch goal-scoring provide the firepower needed to decide tight contests. This potent offense will face a Seattle penalty kill unit described as a “major concern” and ranked near the bottom of the league. This special teams mismatch is arguably the single most important tactical factor in this game and provides the Islanders with a clear path to victory.

On the other side, the Kraken enter this game under challenging circumstances. They are playing the second half of a back-to-back on the road, a scenario that notoriously leads to fatigue and diminished performance in the NHL. While their confidence is high and Joey Daccord has been solid in net, relying on resilience against a rested, motivated, and structurally sound Islanders team is a tall order. The historical head-to-head record is a compelling storyline, but it is less predictive than current form, home-ice advantage, and, crucially, the rest disparity between the two clubs.

The Islanders are not just playing for two points; they're playing to exorcise a demon in front of an energized home crowd. With their defensive structure, elite goaltending, a star player on a hot streak, and a significant special teams advantage over a tired opponent, all signs point to a regulation win for New York. The 2.00 odds reflect their status as favorites, and given the circumstances, it represents a strong value proposition.

This matchup presents a fascinating psychological battle between two teams trending in opposite directions regarding their head-to-head history. The Kraken's perfect 4-0 record against the Islanders since 2023-24 creates a significant mental hurdle for New York, despite their current hot streak under Patrick Roy's defensive system.

Bo Horvat's exceptional form, tied for third in the NHL with 14 goals, makes him the X-factor in this contest. His familiarity with both organizations and current leadership role gives the Islanders a unique advantage. The home crowd energy, amplified by the pregame alumni ceremony at UBS Arena, should provide additional motivation for New York to break their losing streak against Seattle.

Seattle's back-to-back scheduling disadvantage cannot be overlooked. Playing consecutive nights in the NHL typically results in decreased performance, particularly for goaltenders and defensive systems. While Joey Daccord has been stellar with six games allowing two or fewer goals, fatigue could compromise his sharp form.

The Kraken's penalty kill weakness, described as a "major concern" by analysts, becomes crucial given the Islanders' recent offensive surge. New York's power play units should find opportunities to exploit this vulnerability, especially with Horvat's hot scoring touch.

Both teams favor low-scoring affairs, with six of the Islanders' last seven games featuring under six total goals. This defensive trend suggests a tight contest decided by special teams and goaltending. Ilya Sorokin's home advantage and rest advantage over Seattle's tired legs tips the scales.

The 2.00 odds on the Islanders represent solid value considering their home ice, rest advantage, and motivation to break the psychological barrier against Seattle. The Kraken's 3.15 odds reflect their road fatigue and scheduling disadvantage, making the home favorite the smart play.

The New York Islanders are set to host the Seattle Kraken in what promises to be a gritty, defensive showdown at UBS Arena. With the Islanders riding a wave of momentum from their recent road trip, they've climbed within two points of the Metropolitan Division lead, fueled by Bo Horvat's scorching hot streak. Tied for third in the NHL with 14 goals, Horvat's leadership and scoring prowess could indeed be the difference-maker, as praised by former captain Butch Goring. Under coach Patrick Roy, the Islanders' defense has surged, allowing them to control games and turn them into low-scoring affairs—six of their last seven contests featured under six total goals. This bodes well against a Kraken team that's solid but vulnerable on the penalty kill, ranking near the bottom of the league.

On the flip side, the Kraken enter with high confidence after upsetting top teams like Vegas and Edmonton, sitting just two points behind the Pacific-leading Ducks. New coach Lane Lambert has instilled resilience and better defensive structure, with goalie Joey Daccord shining by allowing two or fewer goals in six of his 13 starts. However, Seattle's unbeaten streak in four meetings against the Islanders since 2023-24 adds a psychological edge, but this game's context might flip the script. The Kraken are playing the second half of a back-to-back after facing Pittsburgh, which could sap their energy, especially on the road where they hold a middling 4-4-2 record. No major injuries plague either side, but fatigue might force lineup tweaks for Seattle, potentially exposing their penalty kill woes.

Betting-wise, the odds reflect a tight contest: Islanders at 2.00, Kraken at 3.15, and Draw at 4.25. While draws are tempting in low-scoring NHL games, the Islanders' home crowd—boosted by a pregame alumni ceremony—and Ilya Sorokin's elite goaltending tilt the scales. NHL Network's Kevin Weekes predicts a tight battle, but New York's defensive edge and Horvat's influence should secure a regulation win. Seattle's road back-to-back and historical series dominance might not hold up against a surging Islanders squad that's 4-3-1 at home. For bettors, the value lies in backing the Islanders at even money, as their current form suggests they're undervalued. Expect a 3-1 or 2-1 final, with New York capitalizing on special teams and home ice to overcome the Kraken's resilience.

In summary, this matchup screams Islanders victory, blending offensive spark from Horvat with stout defense, while Seattle's fatigue and penalty issues could prove costly. Savvy bettors should eye prop bets on Horvat scoring or under on total goals, but the moneyline pick is clear for profitability.

The New York Islanders enter this matchup with significant momentum, riding a wave of defensive improvement and offensive firepower that positions them as the smart pick here. Under coach Patrick Roy, the Islanders have tightened up defensively, with six of their last seven games featuring fewer than six total goals, signaling a structured approach that thrives in close contests. This is bolstered by elite goaltending from Ilya Sorokin, whose presence in net provides a reliable backbone. Offensively, Bo Horvat is in scintillating form, tied for third in the NHL with 14 goals, and his leadership has been praised for elevating the team's morale and performance. Playing at UBS Arena with a full, energized crowd and alumni in attendance adds a psychological edge, making this a hostile environment for the visitors.
On the other side, the Seattle Kraken bring confidence from recent wins over strong opponents, but they face notable hurdles. Their penalty kill ranks near the league's bottom, a critical weakness that the Islanders' power play could exploit. Additionally, Seattle is on the second half of a back-to-back after facing Pittsburgh, which often leads to fatigue, lineup adjustments, and diminished performance, especially in a physically demanding sport like ice hockey. While the Kraken have a perfect 4-0 record against the Islanders since 2023–24, historical trends can shift, and New York's current form and home-ice advantage suggest they are primed to break that streak.
Considering the odds, the Islanders at 2.00 offer solid value for a team with clear situational and form advantages. Seattle's 3.15 might tempt underdog bettors, but their defensive lapses and tired legs make them a riskier proposition. The draw at 4.25 is less likely given the Islanders' motivation and offensive capabilities. In a game expected to be tight and low-scoring, New York's superior goaltending, Horvat's scoring touch, and Seattle's fatigue point to a narrow home victory.

The upcoming NHL clash between the New York Islanders and Seattle Kraken presents a fascinating betting opportunity, particularly given the interplay of recent form, player dynamics, and situational factors. For this matchup, the bookmaker odds are set at 2.00 for the Islanders, 3.15 for the Kraken, and 4.25 for a draw (if applicable). These odds suggest that the market views the Islanders as slight favorites, but the gap isn’t insurmountable—especially considering Seattle’s historical dominance in the series.
Bo Horvat’s leadership and scoring prowess have been pivotal for the Islanders this season, with his 14 goals tying him for third in the NHL. His ability to step up in crucial moments could be decisive, particularly against a Kraken penalty kill unit that has struggled throughout the campaign. The Islanders’ defensive resurgence under Patrick Roy has also been noteworthy, with goaltender Ilya Sorokin playing a key role in their recent streak of low-scoring games. Six of their last seven matches have seen fewer than six total goals, suggesting that this contest might follow a similar script. Sorokin’s consistency gives New York an edge in tight, defensive battles—a style likely favored by Roy given the stakes and Seattle’s vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, the Kraken enter this game on the heels of impressive victories over elite opponents like Vegas and Edmonton. Their resilience under Lane Lambert has transformed them into a formidable defensive team, though their Achilles' heel remains their penalty kill. This weakness could prove costly against an Islanders squad eager to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Moreover, Seattle will be playing the second half of a back-to-back after facing Pittsburgh, which may impact their energy levels and force lineup adjustments. While Joey Daccord has been solid in net, allowing two or fewer goals in six of his 13 starts, fatigue from travel and consecutive games might diminish his effectiveness.