NEW YORK ISLANDERS @ WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Tuesday, January 17th, 2011, 7:00PM US
(12:00AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

As the NHL season enters the final week before the All Star Week, the Capitals have pulled to within a point of the Florida Panthers in the Southeast Division, thanks to 3 straight wins. Washington are now 24-17-2, with a 17-5-1 record on home ice. They host the Islanders tonight.

The NY Islanders have a 16-21-6 mark so far and own a poor 6-10-3 away record. They also own an awful head to head record against their hosts. Washington have managed to beat the Islanders in all but 14 of their last 55 meetings! The Islanders come here on no rest, having played and lost to the Nashville Preds last night by a 3-1 score.

It's going to be hard for the Islanders tonight, as they are facing a surging Capitals team that has been stingy in defence, especially in their recent winning run. These last 3 wins have seen Washington allow just 3 goals combined, and they are allowing just 2.35 on home ice all season! New York are scoring just 2.05 away this season, and frankly, I'd be surprised if they even score twice here.

The Islanders are allowing 3.53 when travelling, and that will be a problem tonight as they face a dangerous opponent in Alex Ovechkin, who has scored 16 goals against them in 23 meetings. He has also assisted in 11 goals, so he can do damage in more ways than one. Ovechkin has been quieter than normal recently, which means there is always the danger of a breakout performance as he tries harder and harder. Despite not playing to his usual high standards, Ovechkin is still the Capitals top scorer with 18 goals.

BETTING VERDICT

Understandably, the Capitals are priced all the way down at 1.58 for the win (including OT) so I would recommend going for the win in regulation, paying 1.91. I'm going to go for the higher payout tonight, and take the Capitals to pull away and win by more than 1, paying 2.66 over at Pinnacle.

The Pick :

Washington Capitals -1.5

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the Washington Capitals -1.5 @ 2.66 (Pinnacle)