New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals: 5 Bold Predictions

– Tavares carries Islanders

Feb 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) makes a save on New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014-15 season was a great one for Islanders’ captain John Tavares, as for a majority of the season he was forced to carry the team. The injury to Kyle Okposo really forced Tavares to elevate his play to keep the Islanders going, and Tavares did.

This season, Tavares totaled 86 points with 38 goals, 48 assists in 82 games. Tavares is certainly a candidate to win the MVP, as he finished second in the NHL in scoring behind only Dallas Stars’ Jamie Benn.

Like most of the Islanders, Tavares has limited playoff experience. In the six games against the Penguins, Tavares totaled five points with three goals and two assists. In four games against the Capitals this season, Tavares has played well with five points on two goals and three assists. There’s no reason to think that Tavares won’t play well in the first-round, but it may not be enough for the Islanders to win the series.

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