Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders Predictions, Picks and NHL Preview – February 18, 2016

The New York Islanders extended their winning streak at home to four games with a resounding three-goal victory over Detroit on Monday. They will look to stretch that unbeaten run even further when they host the Washington Capitals in a marquee NHL clash tonight.

Who will emerge victorious in this Metropolitan Division showdown? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this gripping matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of Detroit vs. Pittsburgh.

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Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders Preview

Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn

When: Thursday, February 18, 7:00 PM ET

Line: Washington Capitals (-110) at New York Islanders (-110); total: 5.5 – view all NHL lines

TV Broadcast: CSNB/MSG+

Betting on the Washington Capitals (41-10-4)

The Washington Capitals returned to winning ways Tuesday with a thrilling 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Andre Burakovsky, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jason Chimera scored the goals for the Capitals who have now won six of their last seven outings.

Key to the Caps’ resurgence has been their incredible offense. Washington leads the league in scoring this season, with 3.3 goals scored per game. The Capitals have scored a whopping 24 goals during this incredible seven-game stretch. Providing the impetus for the Caps’ winning run is the red-hot Kuznetsov. He has now scored 20 points in his last 14 games.

Next up for the surging Caps is a clash with the New York Islanders. Barry Trotz’s men will fancy their chances against the Isles as they have fared extremely well against New York of late. The Capitals have won their last three meetings with the Islanders, outscoring them, 9-4, during that span. Washington trounced New York, 4-1, in their last encounter at Barclays Center.

For the Caps to continue their dominance against the Isles, they will need to take advantage of their power play opportunities. They were 0 for 5 on the power play against the Kings on Tuesday. The Caps lead the league in power play percentage with a 23.7 percent success rate this season.

The Capitals are 7-3 SU in their last 10 road games.

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Betting on the New York Islanders (30-19-6)

The New York Islanders returned to the win column Monday with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Barclays Center. It was a huge bounce-back victory for the Isles, who suffered a humiliating 6-3 defeat to Carolina this past weekend.

Starring for the Islanders in this critical home win was Brock Nelson. He had a goal and an assist to key a three-goal second period for the Isles who have now won four of their last five games. Nelson is now tied for the team lead in scoring, with 21 goals already in 55 games. He will have his work cut out for him, however, against a Washington defense that’s allowing just 2.3 goals per game this season, tops in the entire NHL.

For the Isles to record the victory tonight, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. They are second in the NHL in penalty kill percentage with a high 87 percent clip. That resolute defense was in full display Monday against the Red Wings where they held Detroit scoreless on four power play opportunities.

Apart from their defense, the Isles will also need to get a huge performance from John Tavares. The Isles’ leading scorer has racked up 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in his last 10 games.

The Islanders are 7-3 SU in their last 10 home games.

Writer’s Prediction

New York (-110) beats Washington, 3-2.

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