*10* Total DOMINATION on UNDER Capitals/Islanders.

The New York Islanders will host Metropolitan division foe and NHL-leading Washington Capitals at Barclay Center Thursday night. We usually see low-scoring contests when these two teams clash, and I expect that to hold true tonight as well.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Superb Defenses - The Caps are allowing just 2.27 goals per game, the second best mark in the NHL. The Islanders defense have impressed lately as well though with the team allowing only 2.4 goals per game over a 4-1-0 span.

2. Previous Meetings - The Capitals have won each of previous two meetings this season, 4-1 and 3-2. The under is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings in the series.

3. X-Factor - Washington's Braden Holty was rested in Tuesday's 3-1 win against the Kings, but he figures to be back in net tonight and he's won five of his last six meetings with the Islanders behind a 1.30 GAA.

Selection: This is a play on WSH@NYI to go UNDER the total (10*)