New York at Atlanta

The Islanders were awful a year ago, and got off to a horrific start this season. They claimed just one win in their first 10 games. In many respects, the oddsmakers are still treating them that way. Amazingly, after that poor start, they have pulled back to even at 10-10-7. Thrashers aren’t making hay at home where they have lost more than they have won at six wins, five losses and two OT losses. The Thrashers’ most difficult games have come vs. the Atlantic division where they are just 17-37 in their last 54. The Islanders’ reputation keeps them from getting respect on the line, so it almost always shows value. I'll play them in this one.