Dallas Stars vs. New York Islanders
NHL Pick: Dallas Stars -102 odds (December 15th 2011)
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This is the fourth game of a five-game roadtrip for Dallas and a win ensures a winning trek and it looks to avenge a loss to the Islanders from 12 days ago. The Stars have taken the last two games as they have allowed just one goal combined against the Kings and Rangers and that can be attributed to recalled goalie Richard Bachman who was brought up following an injury to Kari Lehtonen. Bachman has played in the last three games, including starting the last two, and stopped 71 of 72 shots on goal.

The Islanders have lost three straight games, the most recent taking place in Montreal on Tuesday, but a return home may not be the cure to their ills. After starting the season 3-1 on the island, New York is just 3-6-3 in its last 12 home games, including losses in five of its last six. The Islanders have dropped every game this season that has gone past regulation, losing four times and twice by way of shootout. New York is tied with Los Angeles for the fewest goals in the league with 65.

While they can’t score, the defense has been an issue for the Islanders as well. They are ranked 27th in goals-against average at 3.25 per game and while goalie Al Montoya has been decent most of the season, he has allowed 10 goals over his last two starts. He will likely sit tonight though but that does not give New York as edge as Evgeni Nabokov is just 1-5 in eight games played with a 2.83 GAA. Dallas has been inconsistent on the offensive end but this could be the much needed breakout game.

As mentioned, this is a revenge game. The Stars allowed five goals in that loss to New York and that matched a season high for goals for New York. The Islanders are 9-26 in their last 35 games coming off a road loss including going 3-14 in 17 games coming off a road loss by two or more goals. Dallas meanwhile is 21-8 in its last 29 games after allowing one goal or less in its last game. The Stars are 8-2-1 at New York since the start of the 1996-97 season. 3* (51) Dallas Stars. Get more NHL picks for December 15th 2011 from Matt Fargo at Touthouse.com.