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Betting Spotlight: Goalies will shine, as Isles and Knights will play to a low number

The Vegas Golden Knights return home after getting points in three of four games on the road, and look to sustain momentum that has kept them in the Western Conference playoff race. First up during this three-game homestand is the New York Islanders, who Vegas beat 3-2 during the road trip.

Vegas is looking to earn a point for the 11th time in 16 games.

The Golden Knights have won 10 of 14 and continue to challenge in the playoff race in the Western Conference, currently holding the top wild-card spot with 40 points.

We are 14-6-1 with totals involving the Golden Knights, after hitting the Under in Monday’s game at Columbus. We’re also on a 4-3 run with top-rated power plays throughout the league.

As of 3 p.m. PT, the Knights are -190, while the Islanders are taking back +170.

Value in the Knights

Anytime Vegas is playing inside T-Mobile Arena, there can be value. Vegas is 10-3-1 at home this season, and after two days of rest, and preparation, the Golden Knights figure to come out skating fast. Linemates William Carrier and Ryan Reaves — who lead the league in hits — said the first meeting in Brooklyn didn’t generate as many hits and wasn’t a physical game with the action spread out. This is something that could play into Vegas’ hands, especially at home. With the Golden Knights being able to skate fast and create from the neutral zone, a play on the puck line would be advisable.

Value in the Islanders

This is a big price to lay to a talented team like the Islanders, who have the ability to match Vegas’ speed and could challenge if they get enough pucks on the net. Revenge is also a factor. Since Vegas topped the Islanders 3-2 in Brooklyn eight days ago, earning their first franchise win over the boys from Brooklyn, you can expect to see the Islanders looking to avenge that setback. Islander forward Anthony Beauvillier has been on fire, and just scored a goal for the fourth time in five games in Arizona two nights back. Beauvillier has 10 goals in his last 16 games and could pose problems if he finds the right angles against Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Total

As of 6 p.m. PT, the total in this game is 6-under -120.

It’s one of those games, as we’ve spoke about in the past, that looks like an uptempo, fast-paced, high-scoring game. But we’re expecting a goalie duel between Fleury and Thomas Greiss, as both should come in with fresh legs and enough vigor to stop the onslaught. Fleury, 19-10-2, leads the NHL in wins. He didn’t play against Columbus, so add another day of rest for the future Hall of Famer. He’s allowed three or less goals in 12 of his last 14 starts. Greiss, meanwhile, has allowed three or less in three straight starts, but that’s over the Islanders’ last six games. He is 12-6-1 on the year with a 2.50 goals against average, and since he didn’t play in the first game, we expect him to be at his best. Play this one UNDER.

W.G. Ramirez is a freelance reporter in Las Vegas who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @WillieGRamirez.