New York Islanders at Washington Capitals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/29/2024 3:00 PM EST

We have your New York Islanders at Washington Capitals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New York Islanders hit the road to face the Washington Capitals.

New York Islanders at Washington Capitals Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: New York Islanders +125 (BetMGM) / Washington Capitals -150 (BetMGM)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - New York Islanders -200 (BetRivers) / Washington Capitals +165 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under -120 (BetMGM) / 5.5 - Over -122 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 11/29/2024
Time: 3:00 PM EST
Location: Capital One Arena (Washington, DC)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals have faced off four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, the Islanders have been more successful against the spread, covering in three of the four matchups, while the Capitals have covered only once. The games have generally leaned towards lower scoring, with the total going under in three of the four contests and only once going over.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on December 29, 2023, where the New York Islanders emerged victorious with a decisive 5-1 win over the Washington Capitals. The Islanders were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -154, and they successfully covered the spread of -1.5. The game saw the Islanders outshoot the Capitals 32-27 and dominate in faceoffs, winning 58.7% compared to the Capitals' 41.3%. Despite both teams failing to capitalize on power play opportunities, the Islanders' even-strength performance was strong, with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Julien Gauthier contributing significantly to the scoring. The Capitals managed a single goal late in the third period, but it was not enough to challenge the Islanders' commanding lead.

In the previous three matchups, the results were mixed. On December 20, 2023, the Capitals won 3-2 in overtime, with the Islanders covering the spread as the underdog. Earlier in the season, on November 11, 2023, the Capitals secured a 4-1 victory, covering the spread as the underdog. The first meeting of the 2023-2024 season on November 2, 2023, saw the Islanders win 3-0, covering the spread as the favorite. Across these games, the Islanders have shown a tendency to perform well against the spread, while the Capitals have had mixed results. The games have generally been low-scoring affairs, with the under hitting in three of the four matchups.

New York Islanders at Washington Capitals Preview

The Washington Capitals are set to host the New York Islanders in a highly anticipated Black Friday matchup at Capital One Arena. The Capitals, currently boasting a strong 15-6-1 record, are riding the momentum of a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the absence of their star forward Alex Ovechkin, who is sidelined with a fractured fibula, the Capitals have shown resilience and depth, with players like Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, and John Carlson stepping up in crucial moments. Washington's power play has been particularly effective, converting 8 of their last 20 opportunities, a significant improvement from their early-season struggles.

On the other side, the New York Islanders are looking to snap a two-game losing streak and improve their 8-10-5 record. The Islanders have faced challenges, particularly in the third period, where they have allowed a league-high 36 goals. Despite these struggles, head coach Patrick Roy remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's solid defensive play and the need to eliminate mistakes at critical times. Brock Nelson has been a bright spot for the Islanders, extending his point streak to three games with a strong performance against the Boston Bruins.

As the Capitals aim to extend their winning streak and the Islanders seek to regain their footing, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest between two Metropolitan Division rivals. The Capitals' high-scoring offense, averaging 4.09 goals per game, will test the Islanders' defense, while the Islanders will look to capitalize on any opportunities to exploit Washington's occasional defensive lapses. With both teams eager to secure a victory, fans can expect an intense and potentially high-scoring affair in the nation's capital.

New York Islanders at Washington Capitals Pick: Total Goals Over

As the New York Islanders prepare to face the Washington Capitals, the potential for a high-scoring game is evident. The Capitals have been an offensive powerhouse this season, leading the NHL with an average of 4.09 goals per game. Despite the absence of Alex Ovechkin, Washington's offense has not missed a beat, with players like Dylan Strome, Connor McMichael, and Aliaksei Protas stepping up to fill the void. The Capitals' power play has also been firing on all cylinders, converting 8 of their last 20 opportunities, which could spell trouble for the Islanders' struggling penalty kill, currently ranked 31st in the league.

On the other hand, the Islanders have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the third period, where they have allowed a league-high 36 goals. This defensive frailty, combined with the Capitals' offensive prowess, suggests that the game could see a flurry of goals. Additionally, the Islanders have been involved in high-scoring affairs recently, as evidenced by their 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins, where they conceded three goals in the final ten minutes.

Given these dynamics, the matchup between the Capitals' high-octane offense and the Islanders' defensive challenges points towards a game that could easily surpass the total goals line. With both teams eager to secure a win and the Capitals looking to exploit the Islanders' weaknesses, fans can expect an exciting and potentially high-scoring contest at Capital One Arena.

New York Islanders at Washington Capitals Top Player Prop Picks

Dylan Strome Over 0.5 Assists -105 (DraftKings)

Dylan Strome has been a pivotal player for the Washington Capitals, especially in the absence of Alex Ovechkin. Leading the team with 31 points, including 24 assists in 22 games, Strome has consistently demonstrated his playmaking abilities. The Capitals' power play has been resurgent, converting 8 of their last 20 opportunities, and Strome's role in facilitating these scoring chances cannot be overstated. Given the Islanders' struggles on the penalty kill, ranked 31st in the league, Strome is well-positioned to add to his assist tally in this matchup.

Tom Wilson Over 2.5 Shots On Goal 115 (bet365)

Tom Wilson has stepped up as a leader for the Capitals, particularly with Ovechkin sidelined. Known for his physical play and offensive contributions, Wilson has been actively involved in the Capitals' attack, as evidenced by his recent performances. With the Capitals averaging 4.09 goals per game, the highest in the NHL, Wilson is likely to be a key figure in their offensive strategy against the Islanders. The Islanders' defensive vulnerabilities, especially in the third period where they have allowed a league-high 36 goals, provide Wilson with ample opportunities to register shots on goal.

Brock Nelson Over 0.5 Points -125 (DraftKings)

Brock Nelson has been a consistent offensive force for the Islanders, extending his point streak to three games with seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) over that span. Despite the Islanders' recent struggles, Nelson's ability to contribute offensively remains a bright spot. Facing a Capitals team that has shown occasional defensive lapses, Nelson is poised to capitalize on any opportunities that arise. His recent form and the Islanders' need for offensive production make the over on his points prop a compelling choice.