New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals Prediction, NHL Odds
The Islanders and Capitals wrap up a three-game set and their season series in Washington on Tuesday. The Caps have won five of the seven meetings between these teams this year, including the last two games in New York.
The Capitals are a slight -119 favourite to win on the NHL odds with a total of 5.5.
Islanders vs. Capitals Betting Analysis
New York has been a completely different team on the road. They boast one of the best home records in the NHL with a 19-3-3 mark, but they drop all the way down to 10-11-2 outside of Long Island. They’re an even 24-24 against the spread, but have covered in just nine of 23 road games. The total has gone Under in eight of the Isles’ last 11 games overall and 13 of their last 16 on the road.
Washington has looked good lately, winning six of their last eight games. They’re 25-23 ATS and have covered in 10 of 22 home games. The Caps have hit the Over in eight of their last nine games overall and five of their last six home games.
New York Islanders
The Islanders are picking the wrong time to falter. They dropped their last two games to Washington and now sit three points back of the Caps in the standings. They’re still solidly in a playoff position, but it’s a little concerning to see they’ve dropped six of their last eight games against other playoff teams. Saturday’s 6-3 loss to the Capitals was just the third time New York has given up six goals in a game this season.
It’s even more concerning when you look at the standings and see the most likely first-round scenario for the Isles is a matchup with Washington. Outside of an 8-4 win, New York has only managed 10 goals in the six other games against the Capitals this season. It’s also worth noting that all six goals given up by the Islanders on Saturday came at even strength.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals are looking strong, even without Alex Ovechkin. Washington’s captain missed the Saturday win with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day. It’s uncertain if he’ll play on Tuesday, so it’s a situation worth monitoring. The offence continues to run smoothly without the legendary sniper though, as the Caps have scored at least six goals in four of their last seven games. They also lead the NHL in even strength markers. It’s the old duo of Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin who are No. 1 and No. 2 in scoring on the team. Backstrom has 48 points (14G, 34A) in 48 games, while O.V. has put up 42 points (24G, 18A) in 43 games.
Some new blood is also producing on this team. Trade deadline acquisition Anthony Mantha is playing at a point-per-game pace since joining the Caps and has four goals in six games. Back on the injury-front, it’s also worth keeping an eye on defenceman Justin Schultz for this game. Schultz is considered questionable for Tuesday’s tilt, with a lower-body injury.
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