Washington Capitals vs. N.Y. Islanders Prediction, Preview, and Odds

The Washington Capitals face the New York Islanders with both teams looking to secure playoff spots down the stretch. The Capitals have a 31-28-7 record and with only three wins in their last 10 games have fallen to sixth place in the Metropolitan Division and out of playoff position. The Islanders have a 34-25-8 record and with three wins in a row have leaped into the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are looking to improve in the Eastern Conference playoff picture and the upcoming game looks to be a great one.

Capitals offense has stepped up

The Capitals have put together a strong season with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.06 goals per game with 12 goals in the last three games. Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dylan Strome have scored 62 goals and 104 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has also stepped up. Conor Sheary, T.J. Oshie, and Sonny Milano have combined for 38 goals and 51 assists while defensemen Nick Jensen and Trevor van Riemsdyk have added nine goals and 34 assists from the point to open the offense up.

The offense has carried the Capitals but the defense has also stepped up, allowing only 2.97 goals per game. Jensen and van Riemsdyk have combined for 6.9 defensive point shares and 256 blocked shots while Martin Fehervary and Matt Irwin have combined for 2.8 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Darcy Kuemper has been great with a .912 save percentage and a 2.75 goals-against average on 1324 shots with 8.6 goals saved above average.

Islanders have been carried by great defense

The Islanders are having a great season but hope the offense can improve, scoring only 2.91 goals per game. Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Zach Parise have scored 60 goals and 65 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only five active skaters have scored 10 goals or more and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.

The offense has struggled but the defense has been one of the best in the NHL, allowing only 2.64 goals per game with only eight goals in the last five games. Ryan Pulock and Alexander Romanov have combined for 7.4 defensive point shares and 220 blocked shots while Adam Pelech, Scott Mayfield, and Sebastian Aho have combined for 9.5 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. Moreover, goaltender Ilya Sorokin is having a remarkable season with a .925 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average on 1482 shots with 29.6 goals saved above average

Best Bets for this Game

Full-Game Side Bet

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The Islanders have won three games in a row but the Capitals look to step up and control this game on both ends of the ice. The Capitals, who average 3.06 goals per game, should pile on the goals with Alexander Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with effective puck movement. The Capitals should limit the Islanders' offense with Nick Jensen, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Darcy Kuemper to make plenty of big saves. The Capitals should win the game and provide great odds in the process as road Underdogs.

Take the Capitals money line as road Underdogs.

Prediction: Capitals (+135)

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Full-Game Total Pick

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Both teams have great defenses and the upcoming game should reflect that with both defensive units stepping up and controlling this game from the first period. The Islanders, who have allowed only eight goals in the last five games, should limit the Capitals' offense with Ryan Pulock, Alexander Romanov, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Ilya Sorokin to make plenty of big saves. The Capitals, who allow only 2.97 goals per game, should eliminate and potentially shut out the Islanders, who average only 2.91 goals per game, with Nick Jensen, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Matt Irwin, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone while goaltender Darcy Kuemper blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game controlled by both defenses.

Take the Under on 5.5 goals.

Prediction: Under 5.5

Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.