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Posted at 12:30 PM EST

Game 2

NY Islanders -½ +200 over Washington

8:00 PM EST. Regulation only. The Caps had a 2-0 lead in Game 1 before allowing four unanswered goals in a 4-2 loss. The Capitals got the Islanders’ worst performance. The Islanders’ constant parade to the penalty started early in the first period and didn’t end there. The Caps would score two power-play goals in the second period to take a 2-0 lead and then the Isles would snap out of their undisciplined ways. During five-on-five play throughout the game, the Islanders dominated. Washington looked horrible at even strength and we can assure you that Barry Trotz will address his team’s undisciplined play. During the regular season, Washington spent more time in the box than any team in the NHL. Now all the Islanders have to do is let the Caps bury themselves.

Remarkably, only 51 percent of the game was played five-on-five. In 20:14 minutes of five-on-five time through the opening 40 minutes, the Islanders had a 64 to 36 Corsi-for advantage, they held an 8-2 shot on net advantage, and a 5-1 high-danger Chances For advantage. They also have superior goaltending. The Isles stayed out of the box in the third and buried the Caps. Washington had zero even-strength goals. To make matters worse for Washington, it will also be missing one of their stars. First line center Nicklas Backstrom has entered the league’s concussion protocol and will not be able to return to the lineup just yet.

From our view, we have no idea why the Islanders are the underdog here. Actually, we do. Washington has pedigree and star power while the Islanders do not. However, man for man, the Islanders want it more and that is abundantly clear. Former Leafs coach, Mike Babcock, once said that when two players of equal caliber go into the corner to fight for the puck, the man that wants it more will emerge with it. That is the epitome of what this series is all about. Since play resumed, Washington looks sloppy and uninterested for the most part while the Islanders look like the polar opposite. We'll caution against over-investment this year on an Islanders team that is limited schematically, but the Islanders are good enough for us to fade an overvalued Capitals outfit. Isles have better defensive personnel and an advantage in the chess match between coaches. The Caps are not sporting any continuity or fight right now and we must try and take advantage of a bad line put out by the books.

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