The Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders will do battle in a winner-take-all contest at Verizon Center Monday night. Despite the amount of offensive talent on the ice I expect a low-scoring encounter where the Caps are more than likely to get the better of it in the end.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Braden Holtby - Jaroslav Halak out-dueled Braden Holtby Saturday as he made 38 saves in the 3-1 victory while Holtby gave up two goals 37 shots he faced. Holtby has been immense at home all season long and posted a 20-10-4 home record behind a 2.08 GAA for the regular season. He's compiled a 1.75 GAA over his last six games, allowing more than two goals only once.

2. Situational - We can expect the Caps to bounce back with a big performance tonight after Friday's 3-1 loss. They're 7-1 in their last eight after scoring two goals or less in their previous game while the Islanders are 1-12 in their last 13 after conceding two goals or less in their previous game.

3. X-Factor - The Islanders have yet to score a power play goal in this series, failing to convert on 13 consecutive chances.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Capitals(8*)