Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Islanders vs Capitals Odds
Looking for New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals free hockey plays? NHL betting sees the Islanders taking on the Capitals on Saturday October 15th at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions.
(0-0) New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals (0-0)
Date: Saturday October 15th
Time: 7:00 PM (EST)
Venue: Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Capitals -165
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: OFF
NHL Betting Total: 5.5
Live NHL Odds
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Alex Ovechkin continues his quest for his 5th consecutive Rocket Richard trophy in New York, facing off against fellow superstar, Jonathan Tavares, after facing rival Sidney Crosby in his first game of the young season.
The Islanders and Capitals each recorded triple-digit points a season ago, with the Isles just reaching the century mark with 100 even, and the Caps leading the league with 120.
New York Islanders
The Isles have been built from the ground up since Garth Snow took over as GM, and he’s put together a strong young squad who are expected to contend.
Leading the way is John Tavares, who was selected with the 1st overall pick in the 2009 and has developed into one of the game’s elite talents.
He had a down-season by his standards in 2015-16, with 70 points in 78 games, but will have a new linemate in Andrew Ladd, who was signed away from Winnipeg in the off-season to replace Kyle Okposo.
The Isles hope that young players, such as Ryan Strome, can step in and take the next step in their development.
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Veteran netminder, Jaroslav Halak, is expected to begin the year as the Islanders’ starter, but will be competing with Thomas Greiss for playing time in the crease.
Halak had a strong showing in the World Cup, after speculation that Greiss was leading the way for the role during the summer.
The defensive-core is comprised of Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy and Travis Hamonic, who have all been very effective in their time in New York.
Leddy led the blueline in 2015-16 in points, with 40 over 81 games played.
Washington Capitals
Washington is one of the most exciting teams to watch in the entire NHL, boasting a star-studded lineup with unlimited firepower and a free-wheeling style.
Evgeni Kuznetsov broke out in a major way last season in his sophomore year, leading the team with 57 assists and 77 points.
As mentioned, Alex Ovechkin continues to amass the highest goal totals in the league, with 50 in 79 games a year ago en route to his 4th consecutive Rocket Richard award and 6th total.
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Braden Holtby has developed into one of the best netminders in the league since originally being selected in the 4th round in 2008. Last season, Holtby led all goalies in wibs with 48, which was eight better than the runner up.
He totalled a 2.20 GAA and .922 SV %, which were just slightly better than his career marks of 2.37 and .921 overall.
John Carlson leads the way on defense for the Caps, averaging 23:42 TOI a season ago and registered 39 points.
NHL Hockey Handicapping Trends
- Washington swept the season series 4-0 last year between the two teams, winning 3-of-4 by one-goal games.
- Washington was 29-8-4 on home ice last season.
Free New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals NHL Hockey Prediction
Having swept the season series in 2015-16, Washington seems like a solid bet to take their season opener on home ice in this primetime matchup.
I think the Isles could do some damage this year, and I like the additional of veteran and two-time Cup winner Andrew Ladd to the young team, but I still think Washington is the class of the East.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Washington -1.5
Washington will be tough to hold to a low goal total yet again this season, especially if Evgeni Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky can take yet another step forward in their respective developments.
One again, I’ll take the spread as the potential of an open-net goal provides an insurance bonus should it be a tight one-goal game in the final couple minutes.
NHL Free Score Prediction: New York 2 – Washington 4
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