New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals: 5 Bold Predictions

Feb 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes the game-winning save on New York Islanders center Ryan Strome (18) in a shootout at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders have made the NHL Playoffs in their final season playing at the Nassau Coliseum before they make the move to Brooklyn next season.

New York was atop the Eastern Conference for a while in the first half of the season, but with some injuries to key players, they fell in the standings. The Islanders last made the playoffs in the 2012-13 season, as the young group gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a run for their money in the conference quarterfinals, but lost at home in Game 6.

Earlier in the season, the Islanders looked like they had the capability to raise another banner, but as they limp into the playoffs, the goals have drastically changed.  The season series has been really close between the Islanders and Capitals, which could lead to a great first-round series between the two teams. There are two MVP candidates on each team, and we could see some fantastic individual efforts from them.

Here are five bold predictions for the Islanders and Capitals match-up in the first-round.

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