Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders Preview, Scores and Prediction

Looking for a key to this series? Check out the Capitals’ lethal power play against the Islanders’ shoddy penalty killing. The Capitals are -159 favorites in the series.

Washington Capitals:

For years, the Capitals were all flash-and-dash living and dying by the red light behind both nets. This year, thanks to Barry Trotz and his defence-first system, the Capitals are much less run-and-gun than they once were. Washington allowed just 2.4 goals per game this season, good for seventh in the NHL, while playing a much tougher brand of hockey in its own end. This Capitals team isn’t afraid to go into the corners and block shots. When you add tough defence to Alex Ovechkin and the league’s No. 1 power play, Washington isn’t going to be an easy out.

Sports Interaction NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds

New York Islanders:

The Islanders are a fast team that can roll four lines without having to worry about line matchups as much as many teams do. They might have the best fourth line in hockey, while their No. 1 centre John Tavares finished just a point back of Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn. The Islanders’ real weakness is in their own end. Standout defenceman Travis Hamonic is out with an undisclosed injury and he averages almost 22 minutes of ice time per game, so that’s a huge loss. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak might be very busy if Hamonic can’t get back in the lineup.

Prediction:

The Islanders have tons of young talent, but it seems like this team is still a year or two away. They’ll be shorthanded on the blueline against Washington’s quick-strike attack and that may lead to more power plays for the Capitals than we’d normally expect. Any time you give Ovechkin and Co. a man advantage, you’re asking for trouble. Look for the Caps to make New York pay when the Isles end up in the sin bin.

Pick: Capitals in six games.