NHL Pick: New York Islanders at Washington Capitals

Overview

The New York Islanders visit the Verizon Center in Washington Friday where they take division rivals the Washington Capitals. The Islanders haven’t had much luck against the Capitals over the past few seasons winning just 7 of the last 24 meetings overall and 9 of the last 33 meetings in Washington.

Head to Head Trends

Islanders are 19-44-3 in the last 66 meetings.
Islanders are 9-22-2 in the last 33 meetings in Washington.

Washington Capitals (-110)

The Washington Capitals are 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with 22 points 10 points back of the 1st place New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins who are both tied with 32 points. The Capitals have a solid offense averaging 2.8 goals per game in large part due to their 2nd ranked power play that is hitting at 27.9%. The Capitals also have an ok defense allowing 2.7 goals per game which is about average but they do have the 4th lowest shots against with just 27.2 per game.

Washington Capitals Trends

Capitals are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Capitals are 5-1 in their last 6 in the second game of a home-and-home situation.

New York Islanders (+100)

The New York Islanders are tied for 1st in the Metropolitan Division with the Pittsburgh Penguins although the Penguins do have a game in hand. The Islanders got off to a quick start to the season winning their first 4 games but then they went into a little slump winning just 2 of their next 7 games before turning things around again and winning 10 of their last 11 games while outscoring their opponents 36-20. The Islanders have the 3rd ranked offense in the league averaging 33.5 shots and 3.3 goals per game. On defense they are middle of the pack allowing 28.6 shots and 2.7 goals per game.

New York Islanders Trends

Islanders are 19-7 in their last 26 overall.
Islanders are 14-2 in their last 16 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Conclusion

I like the New York Islanders over the Capitals in this one today. The Islanders are the hottest team in the league right now with 10 wins over their last 11 games. I also have them ranked 3rd in my own personal rankings while I have the Capitals ranked just 18th so I think there’s some really good value on the Islanders at +100.

Free Pick: New York Islanders +100 at Bovada Sportsbook