Hello All,

I just wanted to take a look at the Caps vs Islanders basic stats through four head-to-head games. The Capitals may be 3-1-0 against the Islanders but the stats paint a much different picture. Here they are:

Shots
WSH: 104 (average = 26 shots/game)
NYI: 119 (average = 29.75)

Shots (5v5)
WSH: 85 (average = 21.25 shots/game)
NYI: 106 (average = 26.5 shots/game)

Shots by Period (First Period)
WSH: 39 (averaging 9.75 first period shots/game)
NYI: 45 (averaging 11.25 first period shots/game)

Shots by Period (Second Period)
WSH: 37 (averaging 9.25 second period shots/game)
NYI: 36 (averaging 9 second period shots/game)

Shots by Period (Third Period)
WSH: 28 (averaging 7 third period shots/game)
NYI: 38 (averaging 9.5 third period shots/game)

Scoring Chances:
WSH: 86 (average = 21.5 scoring chances/game)
NYI: 100 (average = 25 scoring chances/game)

Scoring Chances (5v5):
WSH: 72 (average = 18 scoring chances/game
NYI: 88 (average = 22 scoring chances/game)

High Danger Chances:
WSH: 28 (average = 7 high danger scoring chances/game)
NYI: 39 (average = 9.75 high danger scoring chances/game)

High Danger Chances (5v5)
WSH: 23 (average = 5.75 high danger scoring chances/game)
NYI: 37 (average = 9.25 high danger scoring chances/game)
*45% of seasons NYI’s high danger chances against the Capitals occurred in game 4 of the season series

Power Play
WSH: 6 for 10 (60%)
NYI: 2 for 8 (25%)

Goaltender Stats

Ilya Samsonov
Games Played & Record: 2GP (1-1-0)
SV%: .848 (39 saves on 46 shots faced)
GAA: 4.06 GAA

Vitek Vanecek
Games Played & Record: 3GP (2-0-0)
SV%: .904 (66 saves on 76 shots faced)
GAA: 3.08 GAA

Semyon Varlamov
Games Played & Record: 4GP (1-3-0)
SV%: .854 (88 saves on 103 shots faced)
GAA: 3.82 GAA


The Islanders pretty much hold the advantage in every major statistical category. However, the recent 8-4 blowout somewhat skewed some data in favor of New York. Other than that, it has been a fairly even season series to date. One of the differences throughout the year been the Capitals power play converting against the Islanders PK. In addition, Varlamov’s stats against the Capitals are far removed from his averages of .919 SV% and 2.26 GAA in 26 GP on the season. His GAA is good for 11th best in the league among goalies who have played 10+ games. It is only a matter of time before those stats start to show themselves against the Capitals. In addition, the Islanders have the 13th best PK in the league, so I do not see the Capitals 60% power play percentage as sustainable over time. We will see. None of the goalies have played lights out in the head-to-head series this season. The Capitals defense has been hanging their goalies out to dry lately. I think Vanecek and Samsonov both have looked fine on the year. Vanecek should get the start tonight. Tonight is a huge game for both squads as they battle for the division lead. Let’s see how the Capitals respond after last week’s butt whooping!

That is all,

Thanks for reading and GO CAPS!

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