The New York Islanders will be in the nation's capital Saturday to play a matinee against the Capitals. Washington is on a roll, coming in as winners of three straight and seven of their last nine overall. The Isles are coming off a 5-2 home win over the Predators, but they haven't had much success in previous trips to Washington. With a total of 5.5, my money is on the under.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Caps have won seven of their last 10 home meetings with New York, and the total fell short of the number in seven of those games. The Isles have played five straight unders on the road, while the Caps have seen the total go under in each of their last five versus Eastern Conference teams.

2. Braden Holtby - The Caps starting goaltender has give up just two goals on 53 shots in his last two starts, and he's 13-5-4 with a 2.01 GAA on home ice this season.

3. X-Factor - The Isles could be a little worn out playing their fourth game in six nights, and they've seen the total go under in six of their last seven such situations.

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