Detroit Red Wings vs New York Islanders Prediction and Picks - October 23, 2025
Use Code SSWC National Hockey League action on Thursday evening, and we have a Detroit Red Wings vs New York Islanders Prediction ready to rock and roll. Read on to see our Red Wings vs Islanders prediction.
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Five Game Win Streak Is Snapped in Buffalo
Detroit enters this matchup at 5–2 after seeing their five-game winning streak snapped in a 4–2 road loss to Buffalo on Wednesday night. The Red Wings fell behind in the third period after Jack Quinn’s power-play goal gave the Sabres the lead, and they couldn’t recover despite goals from J.T. Compher and rookie Emmitt Finnie in the second frame. John Gibson made 27 saves, but defensive lapses and untimely penalties proved costly. The defeat served as a reminder that while Detroit has been sharp to start the season, it remains vulnerable when its structure breaks down.
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Offensively, Dylan Larkin continues to drive the attack, extending his point streak with an assist in Buffalo, while Lucas Raymond and Finnie have provided steady secondary scoring. The Red Wings have now scored 22 goals through seven games, showing they can generate offense in multiple ways. However, their inability to sustain pressure against Buffalo highlighted the importance of consistency from their top six forwards, especially in back-to-back situations like this one against the Islanders.
Defensively, Detroit has been strong overall, but the Sabres exposed some cracks by capitalizing on odd-man rushes and net-front opportunities. Moritz Seider remains the anchor on the blue line, but the group will need to tighten up quickly to avoid fatigue carrying over into Thursday’s contest. Special teams will also be a key factor, as Detroit’s penalty kill faltered in Buffalo, allowing a decisive third-period goal. If the Red Wings can clean up their discipline and regain their defensive sharpness, they’ll have a chance to bounce back immediately against New York.
Isles Have Won Three In A Row
The Islanders enter this matchup at 3–3, coming off a 4–3 win over San Jose that showcased both their resilience and their flaws. Bo Horvat has been the offensive catalyst, leading the team in goals while anchoring the top line. Mathew Barzal’s playmaking remains a critical piece, and his ability to create space for linemates has kept New York competitive even when secondary scoring has lagged. The Islanders have scored 20 goals through six games, but their offense has leaned heavily on the top unit, making depth production a key storyline moving forward.
Defensively, New York has been less consistent than in past years, allowing 22 goals already. While Ilya Sorokin remains one of the league’s most talented goaltenders, he has faced a heavy workload behind a defense that has struggled with coverage breakdowns. The absence of Semyon Varlamov due to injury has also forced Sorokin into more starts, which could become a factor as the season progresses. Against a Detroit team that has been opportunistic, the Islanders will need to tighten up in their own zone and avoid costly turnovers.
On special teams, the Islanders have been effective with the man advantage, converting 5 of their 15 power-play opportunities, good for a top-15 ranking. Their penalty kill, however, has been less reliable, allowing five goals already. That imbalance could be pivotal against Detroit’s efficient power play. If the Islanders can generate early offense and keep the game at their preferred slower pace, they’ll have a chance to disrupt Detroit’s rhythm and protect home ice.
Detroit Red Wings vs New York Islanders Pick
Red Wings vs Islanders Moneyline Pick
- NY Islanders -130 (4 Units)
Backing the Islanders at home makes sense given the circumstances. Detroit is coming off a 4–2 road loss in Buffalo just the night before, which means they’ll be skating in the second half of a back-to-back. That fatigue factor, combined with the travel, could tilt momentum toward New York. The Islanders have been steady at UBS Arena, and with Ilya Sorokin in net, they have the kind of goaltending that can frustrate a Red Wings team that thrives on pace and transition. If Sorokin gets into rhythm early and the Islanders’ top line of Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal establishes possession in the offensive zone, New York has the tools to dictate tempo.
Another edge for the Islanders lies in their ability to grind out games and capitalize on special teams. Their power play has been efficient to start the season, and Detroit’s penalty kill showed cracks in Buffalo when it surrendered a decisive third-period goal. That’s the type of opening New York can exploit, especially with Pastrnak-style shooters like Horvat and Barzal who can punish mistakes. Add in the fact that the Islanders’ physical style tends to wear down opponents over sixty minutes, and this matchup sets up well for them to protect home ice and hand Detroit a second straight loss.
Red Wings vs Islanders Over/Under Pick
- Under 6 (5 Units)
The Under 6 looks like a strong angle here given the way both teams are built. Detroit is coming off a 4–2 loss in Buffalo and now plays the second half of a back-to-back, which often leads to tighter, lower-event hockey as legs wear down. The Islanders, meanwhile, thrive in slower-paced, defensive-minded games, leaning on Ilya Sorokin to keep scores in check while relying on their top line for timely offense. With Detroit’s penalty kill generally strong despite last night’s slip and New York preferring to grind out possessions rather than trade chances, this matchup sets up well for a game that stays under the six-goal mark.
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