Each day, the writers at Last Word on Hockey deliver expert predictions for every NHL matchup. For November 30, the spotlight turns to the Washington Capitals as they face the New York Islanders in a tightly contested Eastern Conference game.
The Capitals continue to rely on structured defense and strong goaltending to remain competitive in the Metropolitan Division. Alex Ovechkin remains a constant offensive threat, while Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson have provided steady secondary scoring.
In contrast, the Islanders focus on disciplined, defense-first hockey. Under Lane Lambert’s coaching, the team depends heavily on goaltender Ilya Sorokin, whose consistency has kept them in many close contests. However, offensive depth remains a concern for New York.
Ovechkin’s pursuit of scoring milestones always draws attention, while Barzal’s playmaking significantly influences the Islanders' offensive rhythm.
The Capitals’ steady performance and balanced scoring could edge out the Islanders’ defensive setup. Expect a tightly fought game with a potential 3–2 Washington win, possibly sealed by a late power-play goal.
“The Capitals have shown they can grind out wins even without explosive offense,” one analyst noted, highlighting their adaptability and depth.
Author’s summary: A close defensive battle is expected as Washington’s discipline and power play may outlast the Islanders’ structured but limited offense.