Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Washington Capitals hosting the New York Islanders. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-1 Islanders
U.S. TV: Monumental Sports Network; MSGSN; NHL Network
Canada TV: Sportsnet; TVA Sports
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EDT)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders. Washington is expected to start Logan Thompson in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Capitals are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games, including wins in six of the last seven games. Tom Wilson leads the club in goals (13) and points (26) so far this campaign. Dylan Strome leads Washington with 16 assists.
Ilya Sorokin is the projected starter for the Islanders, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, New York has dropped three of its last four games before this Metropolitan Division matchup. The Isles have struggled to score with the man advantage, with a 13.1 percent success rate. Bo Horvat leads the team in goals (14) and points (25). Kyle Palmieri was the co-leader on the team in assists with 12, but he will miss the rest of the season.
Both teams are playing well, but Washington will get the victory in a closely-contested game.
Prediction: Capitals win 3-2.
