Islanders at Capitals
THE STORY: The New York Islanders are slowly fading out of
contention for a playoff spot. The Washington Capitals are hoping to
avoid the same fate. The Capitals will be in search of a third straight
win when they open a six-game homestand against the Islanders on
Tuesday. The Islanders have won the first two meetings this season by a
combined 8-3 margin.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Plus (Islanders), CS Maryland (Capitals)
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (26-28-8):
Inconsistent play has dropped the Islanders to 13th in the East, eight
points out of the playoffs. New York has lost four of its last six,
including a 5-2 defeat to Ottawa on Sunday. Right wing PA Parenteau has
been doing his part with five points (three goals, two assists) in the
past three games. Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov is a strong bet for a win
when facing the Capitals, against whom he is 10-1-0 with a 1.99 goals
against average in 11 starts.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (31-26-5): Washington has played its last two
games like a team in a fight for the postseason. Washington earned wins
over Montreal and Toronto and trails Winnipeg by one point for the No. 8
spot in the East. They are also three points out of first place in the
Southeast Division. Alex Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson each notched a
goal and two assists in the two wins to pace the Capitals, who remained
quiet at Monday’s trade deadline.
OVERTIME:
1. Washington No. 1 goaltender Tomas Vokoun has not
been in net the past two games. He has struggled in losing three
straight starts.
2. Islanders center Josh Bailey is day-to-day with back spasms.
3. New York made a minor trade Monday, sending Brian Rolston and Mike Mottau to Boston in exchange for prospects.