Regardless of what he says, Islanders coach Barry Trotz would love to beat his old team. Of course, Trotz led the Capitals to their first and only Stanley Cup. And he did so without a contract. Washington didn’t try to retain Trotz after that triumph with the NHL betting odds. New York Islanders fans are thrilled that the Caps took the coach for granted. Cause by Trotz arriving to jumpstart a floundering franchise. Washington staved off elimination with a game four-overtime win. But can the Caps really win three more games in a row vs. the stout Isles?
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals – Game 5
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 20, 2020, Time TBD |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario |
| Islanders vs. Capitals TV Coverage: | TBD |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islanders | – | 5 (-120) | -105 |  |
| Capitals | – | 5 (EV) | -115 | |
| ||||
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals SBG Odds Overview
Public offshore betting opened with this game as dead even. So far, the Islanders’ structure and discipline have been a moneymaker. Washington is well regarded for its firepower. Counter to that is the Capitals’ lack of discipline. Since Trotz departed the Capitals defensive metrics have dramatically declined.
New York Islanders Team Overview
In view of their lackluster regular season offensive stats, the Islanders weren’t a gambling draw. Despite the fact that they don’t score a lot of goals winning catches attention. Even casual gamblers appreciate how New York can shut things down. Run and gun Washington has often been frustrated by this.
Key New York Islanders: C Brock Nelson 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS, 4 +/-, 1 PPG, 0 PPA, 0 SHG, 14.3 SPCT, D Ryan Pulock 1 G, 5 A, 6 PTS, 2 +/-, 1 PPG, 0 PPA, 0 SHG, 5.9 SPCT, G Semyon Varlamov 1.87 GAA, .927 SVPCT, 0 SO
Washington Capitals Team Overview
Since taking over coach Todd Reirden has paled in comparison to Trotz. He was Trotz’s assistant for the 2018 Stanley Cup championship. Contrarily the Capitals don’t play nearly as hard defensively for Reirden. Disorganized mistakes that Trotz eliminated have become more frequent under Reirden. Washington has lacked its old championship polish.
Key Washington Capitals: LW Alex Ovechkin 4 G, 1 A, 5 PTS, 2 +/-, 1 PPG, 1 PPA, 0 SHG, 14.8 SPCT, D John Carlson 0 G, 6 A, 6 PTS, -8 +/-, 0 PPG, 4 PPA, 0 SHG, 0.0 SPCT, G Braden Holtby 2-5, 2.55 GAA, .909 SVPCT, 0 SO
New York Islanders and Washington Capitals Against the Spread
The Islanders are:
- 6-4 in their last 10 games with the Capitals
- 5-1-1 over the total head to head with the Capitals
- 6-2 overall against the board in their last eight games
- 4-1-2 over the total in their last seven games
The Capitals Are:
- 2-6 in their last eight overall games
- 2-5-1 under the total in their last eight matchups
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Islanders should bring the killer instinct. Washington staved off the executioner by the seat of their pants in game four. Most important of all the Isles have what it takes in the long run. Defense, structure, and discipline are what beats the NHL lines in the postseason. Trotz trumps his old assistant Reirden behind the bench!
Islanders vs. Capitals SBG Best Pick: New York Islanders