In a matchup that promises high-scoring potential, the New York Islanders are set to face off against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. The Islanders have had a rollercoaster season, with their goaltending being a major point of concern. Coach Lane Lambert has struggled to determine which team will show up on any given night. This was evident in their devastating 7-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where Ilya Sorokin allowed six goals on just 19 shots before being pulled from the game. However, Sorokin bounced back with two solid performances against the Washington Capitals and the Penguins, stopping 59 of 62 shots. Despite their inconsistencies, the Islanders find themselves in the middle of the Metropolitan Division standings.

Their upcoming opponent, the Colorado Avalanche, have been dominant this season with a record of 14-4-0. They have been scoring an average of 4.38 goals per game at their home arena, Ball Arena. The Avalanche are currently leading the Central Division and show no signs of slowing down. Although they have suffered losses to teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Arizona Coyotes, their expected five-on-five metrics remain top tier. Their special teams have also been converting at league-high rates, and Nathan MacKinnon is having another impressive season, making a strong case for the Hart Trophy.

The only area where the Avalanche have seen a decline from last season is in goaltending. They finished sixth overall in save percentage last year but currently sit at number 18, with a save percentage below .900. They have only managed to secure one shutout so far this season. Alexandar Georgiev has been adequate in goal, but he has allowed four or more goals in 10 of his 30 starts.

Despite their inconsistencies, the Islanders have been generating the most high-danger scoring shots in the league. This sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring game in the high altitude of Colorado. The recommended play for this game is to bet over 6 goals.

In another intriguing matchup, the New York Rangers will take on the Florida Panthers on Friday night. Both teams have found success this season and have several similarities in their playing styles. The Panthers, who currently sit atop the Atlantic Division, have continued their strong play from last year's trip to the Stanley Cup Final. They play a patient, dump-and-chase game supported by responsible puck decisions and reliable goaltending. Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz have been a solid duo in net, with a combined goals against average of 2.59.

The Rangers, led by goaltender Igor Shesterkin, have also been playing a strong defensive game. Shesterkin and backup Jonathan Quick have both stopped over 90 percent of the shots they have faced. Both teams have also excelled in penalty killing, ranking in the top 10 in the league.

While there are many similarities between the two teams, there are also notable differences. The Rangers have been more productive in terms of goal scoring, ranking 10th in the league. Artemi Panarin has been a standout player, chasing Jaromir Jagr's franchise record for points in a season. However, the Panthers have struggled to convert their scoring opportunities into goals, scoring at a league-low pace. Sam Reinhart has been having a career season with 42 points in 34 games, but the Panthers have relied on contributions from their role players.

Overall, the similarities between the Rangers and Panthers should make for an intriguing matchup. Both teams are qualified and poised, but their differences may cancel each other out. The recommended play for this game is to bet under 6.5 goals.