The New York Islanders (38-28-9) visit the Washington Capitals (34-32-8) Wednesday. Puck drop from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Islanders strengthened their bid for a wild card spot with a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils last time out Monday. New York has 85 points and sits in the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference 3 games ahead of Pittsburgh.
The Capitals are still mathematically alive for a card in the East, but Washington sits 6 points back of Pittsburgh with just 8 regular-season games remaining. Washington has picked a poor time for another skid, too, going just 1-3-1 across the past 5 outings.
Washington did just deal New York a 5-1 setback on Long Island March 11 as the Over (5.5) narrowly cashed, and the Caps are 2-0 against the Isles this season, both on the road.
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Islanders at Capitals odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Islanders -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Capitals -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders -1.5 (+210) | Capitals +1.5 (-260)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: +102)
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Islanders at Capitals projected goalies
Ilya Sorokin (27-19-7, 2.39 GAA, .924 SV%, 5 SO) vs. Darcy Kuemper (21-23-5, 2.76 GAA, .911 SV%, 5 SO)
Sorokin was sharp against the Devils Monday, turning aside 30 of the 31 shots he faced. He has posted a 7-1-1 record with a 2.45 GAA and .914 SV% mark in 9 starts in the month of March.
Sorokin allowed 4 goals on 35 shots in a 4-3 OTL against the Capitals at UBS Arena Jan. 16, his only appearance against Washington this season.
Kuemper allowed 4 goals on 40 shots in a costly 4-3 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday. He has allowed exactly 4 goals in 3 of his past 4 outings.
The veteran was sharp against the Isles March 11, stopping 17 of the 18 shots he faced in a 5-1 win. Kuemper also turned back the Isles Jan. 16, allowing 3 goals on 30 shots in a 4-3 OTW on Long Island.
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Islanders at Capitals picks and predictions
Prediction
Islanders 4, Capitals 2
Moneyline
The ISLANDERS (-110) are worth a look despite the fact the Capitals (-110) have dominated the regular-season series to date.
Still, the Caps are playing poorly lately, while New York steams in with plenty of confidence after a 5-1 drumming of the Devils.
The Isles have won 5 of the past 7 inside the Metropolitan Division, while the Capitals have dropped 8 of the past 11 on home ice.
Puck line/Against the spread
The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+210) are worth a roll of the dice for a chance to more than double up. Again, this play comes with risk, as the Capitals +1.5 (-260) have won the first 2 regular-season meetings.
However, in New York’s past 4 victories since March 15, it has won by 2 or more goals. If you like the Isles to win, you should like them on the puck line, too.
Over/Under
The OVER 5.5 (-122) is the lean in the nation’s capital.
The Over is 6-2-1 in the past 9 games overall, while going 4-1 in the past 5 road outings. The Over is 4-0-2 in the past 6 inside the Metro Division.
The Over has connected in 8 straight for the Caps, while going 4-0 in the past 4 on home ice and 4-0 in the past 4 against winning teams, too.
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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.
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