Islanders vs. Capitals Prediction
The New York Islanders have won three games in a row heading into tonight’s contest at the Washington Capitals. Is the New York win streak going to come to a close as the underdogs in this matchup?
Game Snapshot
51 New York Islanders at 52 Washington Capitals
Friday, January 18, 2019
Capital One Arena at 7:35PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NHL Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Capitals are a -183 favorite on the spread line. The Islanders are a +158 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Friday afternoon, 69 percent of public bets are being placed on host Washington. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Islanders roll past Devils
New York secured a 4-1 home win over New Jersey Thursday night to improve to 27-15-4 on the season. The Islanders scored three goals in the first period and led that way until the Devils scored their lone goal in the third period. Anders Lee opened the scoring 5:48 in with his 17th goal of the season on assists by Nick Leddy and Jordan Eberle. Michael dal Colle made it 2-0 with assists going to Scott Mayfield and Leo Komarov. Eberle added a power play goal later in the first assisted by Leddy and Brock Nelson. After New Jersey scored 7:07 into the third period, New York later added an insurance goal by Lee as his 18th goal of the season and second of the contest was assisted by Josh Bailey. Robin Lehner registered 16 saves on 17 shots in the winning effort.
Capitals drop third straight
Washington lost for the third consecutive time Tuesday night at the Predators to fall to 27-14-5 on the season. The Capitals fell behind 3-0 early in the second before finding the scoring column on a goal by Nicklas Backstrom on the power play. It was assisted by John Carlson and Alex Ovechkin. Nashville proceeded to score three more goals in the third period to take a commanding 6-1 advantage. The Predators pushed their lead to six goals in the third before Washington got one back courtesy of T.J. Oshie with assists going to Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jakub Vrana. Pheonix Copley suffered the loss as he surrendered seven goals on 29 shots.
NHL Betting Trends
New York
The Islanders are 7-0 in their last seven games after allowing two goals or less in the previous game. New York is 1-4 in the last five meetings.
Washington
The home team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. The Capitals are 7-2 in their last nine games versus the Metropolitan Division.
Prediction:
While the Islanders are playing the better hockey at the moment, Washington is too good to have lengthy losing streaks and should be ultra-focused after getting smashed by Nashville. Look for a strong effort by the Caps with starting goalie Braden Holtby back between the pipes. New York has overachieved this season, but I think its deficiencies show up in this one.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -183