The New York Islanders (15-8-8) travel to face off against the Washington Capitals (15-9-4) on Wednesday, December 20th. This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:30 ET.

New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals

The New York Islanders Are Coming Off A Win

Through 31 games, the Islanders have achieved an overall record of 15-8-8. When on the road, New York holds a 6-5-2 record, while they are 9-3-6 when playing at home. This record has them sitting 3rd in the Eastern Metropolitan division and 6th in the Eastern conference. New York heads into the game with five wins by more than one goal, and lost seven games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record this season is 16-15.

In their most recent game, the Islanders hosted the Oilers and secured a 3-1 victory. The Islanders offense struggled in the first and third periods versus the Oilers, but they did score three times in the second period. New York finished with two power-play goals, while they also managed to score one time when shorthanded. Their game concluded with 21 shots on goal.

Despite being the underdog, New York managed to secure a win against the puck line in the game. The over/under line for the game was 7, and it concluded with a combined total of 4 goals.

The Washington Capitals Are Coming Off A Win

Coming into their game vs. Islanders, the Capitals have a 15-9-4 record. They hold a 8-4-2 record when playing at home, and they have gone 7-5-2 on the road. This record has them sitting 5th in the Eastern Metropolitan division and 9th in the Eastern conference. Looking at Washington’s average scoring margin, it is -0.4, which has led to a puck line record of 13-15. When playing at home, their scoring margin is -0.2, and on the road, it is -0.5.

In their last game, the Capitals went up against the Hurricanes and emerged as winners with a score of 2-1. The Capitals couldn’t find the net offensively in the first or third periods against the Hurricanes, but they did score one time in the second period. In the game, Washington managed to score all two goals at even strength. They concluded with 21 shots on goal and committed 5 turnovers.

Going into the game, Washington was the underdog, giving them a win vs. the puck line. The over/under line for the game was 6, and it concluded with a combined total of 3 goals.

New York Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Islanders are averaging 3.1 goals per game which is 16th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 20th in the league. So far this year, the Islanders are 4-2 in games they have had more shots on goal than their opponent. They are 11-6 in games with fewer shots on goal.

For the season, the over/under record of the Islanders’ stands at 18-12-1. They have had 18 games during the season that exceeded the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.4 goals per game.

Washington Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Capitals are averaging 2.4 goals per game which is 31st in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 32nd in the league. This season, the Capitals are 4-3 when getting more shots on goal than their opponents. And in games with fewer shots on goal, they have a 11-6 record.

This season, the Capitals’ have an over/under record of 9-18-1. Throughout the season, they have played 17 games that did not exceed the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.4 goals per game.

New York Team Defense

Defensively, the Islanders come into the season ranked 3rd in goals allowed. Opponents are averging 35.4 shots per game against New York. For the season, they are ranked 1st in shutouts, coming in with 4 shutouts.

Washington Team Defense

Washington defense takes on the Islanders ranked 26th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 30.8 shots per game against Washington. They alsso are 8th in shutouts, with 2 shutouts.

Islanders vs Capitals Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the Islanders offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 4. New York posted an overall record of 4-6 while going 7-3 ATS.
• Across their last five home contests, Washington has a 3-2 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 2-3, while averaging 2 goals per game.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Capitals have a straight up record of 1-2 and an puck line mark of 2-1.
• Although the Islanders have a strong straight up record in their last three games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the puck line going 1-2.

Islanders vs Capitals Prediction

When it comes to a moneyline wager, I’m going with the Capitals to defeat the Islanders while playing at home. Given the current moneyline odds at -123, I’m placing a wager on the Capitals to win outright.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Islanders to cover. Even if the Capitals manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Islanders should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

---

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

---

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.