- The New York Islanders are slight -120 favorites to take control of the top spot in the East.
- The Washington Capitals hold EVEN odds as narrow underdogs.
BROOKLYN N.Y. – Sole possession of first place in the East will be up for grabs when the New York Islanders host the Washington Capitals on Thursday night. Online sportsbooks predict a close game, leaving the betting public an opportunity to cash in on some favorable odds.
Projected Starting Goalies
- NYI – Semyon Varlamov (17-9-3, .923 SV%, 2.20 GAA)
- WSH – Ilya Samsonov (11-3-1, .898 SV%, 2.84 GAA)
The Washington Capitals and New York Islanders have already played twice this month, and for Capitals goaltender, Ilya Samsonov, it was a tale of two games. In the first meeting, Samsonov allowed six goals on just 24 shots. However, he played better in the second game, saving 21 of the 22 shots he faced.
Semyon Varlamov didn’t have his best showing in the first meet up either, allowing four goals on 22 shots, but was able to turn away all 29 shots he faced in the second meeting. Anyone who may be betting on the total of the game, may need to decide which form of these goalies will show up Thursday night.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Islanders –120, Capitals EVEN
- Spread: Islanders -1.5 (+195), Capitals +1.5 (-235)
- Total: O/U 5.5
Opposing Strengths
The Capitals and Islanders have identical records, but have gotten to this point is very different ways. The Caps are a high-powered offense and have scored the most goals in the NHL. The Islanders have had success due to their defense and goalie play, allowing just 105 goals this season which is third-fewest in the league.
Washington has the best power play unit, scoring on 27.6% of their opportunities, but also excel on the penalty kill as they prevent a goal on 83.5% of their man-down situations. New York’s strength lies in their even strength abilities. They have allowed the fifth-fewest goals at even strength this year.
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Recent Trends
The Capitals are both 0-4 in their last four games as an underdog and as a road underdog. The Islanders have won three straight games against the Capitals, but the underdog is 12-5 SU in their last 17 meetings. The home team has also won each of the last five games.
The Over has hit in each of the Capitals last seven games, but the Under is 7-1-1 in the Islanders last nine games. These contrasting trends may indicate why such close odds are being offered at different sports betting sites.
How to Watch
Those betting on, or just interested in watching, the game can tune in to NBC Sports Washington or stream the game on the NBC Sports Washington’s live stream page. The game starts at 7 p.m. EST.
Nick got involved with the world of sports at a young age and never turned his back on it. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Broadcast/Journalism. In his free time, you can catch him at the bottom of the leaderboards on any video game he’s playing.
