New York Islanders at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions

The New York Islanders (38-28-9) visit the Washington Capitals (34-32-8) Wednesday. Puck drop from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Islanders vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Islanders strengthened their bid for a wild card spot with a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils last time out Monday. New York has 85 points and sits in the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference 3 games ahead of Pittsburgh.

The Capitals are still mathematically alive for a card in the East, but Washington sits 6 points back of Pittsburgh with just 8 regular-season games remaining. Washington has picked a poor time for another skid, too, going just 1-3-1 across the past 5 outings.

Washington did just deal New York a 5-1 setback on Long Island March 11 as the Over (5.5) narrowly cashed, and the Caps are 2-0 against the Isles this season, both on the road.