NHL Predictions for the biggest matches on February 25 & 26

The top three places in the divisions in the Eastern Conference seem fairly set, but the fight for a Wild Card remains incredibly fierce, with just five points between seven sides. 

The Washington Capitals find themselves on the backfoot, a point behind New York Islanders in eighth. The real issue for both these sides is that the teams they are fighting with have games in hand over them. 

The Capitals have to start picking up wins, with their disappointing four-game losing run hurting them. Alexander Ovechkin has understandably missed matches due to the death of his father, with the star leaving a real hole in the Capital's team. In his absence, others need to step up. 

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers arrive with the sixth-best defence in the NHL after shipping just 152 goals. They have also impressed at the other end, scoring 191 goals to see them ranked joint-tenth in the NHL. 

Washington do have home advantage, but they have struggled in front of their own fans with a record of 14-11-3 at the Capital One Arena. The Rangers have been excellent on the road, returning a record of 17-5-5, although it is worth noting that Washington won 4-0 at Madison Square Gardens back in December. We would recommend backing the Rangers to win this one. 

New York Islands currently sit in the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but they only boast a one-point lead over the rest of the teams that are chasing them. Their biggest problem right now seems to be scoring goals, with 171 scored seeing them ranked joint-22nd. 

At the back, New York have looked good. They are ranked joint-13th in the NHL with 168 conceded. However, they are eclipsed at both ends by their opponents this weekend. 

The Winnipeg Jets rank second defensively with 147 conceded. They have also outscored their next opponents with 176 goals from three less games, showing that they are an incredibly well-balanced team this year. 

The Islanders come into this one with a losing record on the road of 11-14-4, while the Jets boast a record of 20-8-0 at the Canada Life Centre. However, New York have won each of the last five matches against the Jets along with their last three tips to Winnipeg. This is a tight one to call, but we are leaning towards New York when looking at the head-to-head record between the sides.