In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on whether the Washington Capitals can make it a series against the New York Islanders.
Todd Cordell
Washington may win tonight but I don’t see them making this series interesting. I think they’re cooked.
The Islanders have absolutely steamrolled the Capitals at 5v5. They have controlled more than 65% of the Expected Goals and are up 8-2 on the scoreboard.
They’re getting plenty of good looks at Braden Holtby while the Islanders are keeping things air tight in front of Semyon Varlamov.
Holtby was once an elite goaltender. Those days have long passed; he is now one of the worst starters in the league.
The Islanders are getting more of the chances, the better of the chances, and they have the better goaltender. That’s a good recipe for success.
Islanders in 5 or less.
James Tanner
The overwhelming parity of the NHL makes winning three games in a row a long-shot at the best of times, and if you add in the psychology of playing elimination games and having to be perfect for four straight games, there is almost a zero percent chance that it happens.
Now, the Islanders are not a great team, and the Capitals are almost certainly better. But the terrible ice of the NHL Bubble and the suffocatingly boring Islanders game plan make the Capitals chances of successes even longer. Now add in the fact that their ex coach is coaching the team they're trying to beat, and the fact that losing means a longer holiday, an exit of the bubble and a reuniting with friends and family and I think you can put the chances of a Capitals comeback at about zero.
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