Islanders vs. Capitals preview/discussion thread: German Civil War

The NHL kicks off its post-All-Star stretch — think of it like a compressed second half, as even the Islanders have played way more than 41 games now — tonight with the Washington Capitals and Islanders opening the schedule.

Despite the layoff, the handful of injuries remain: Travis Hamonic (week to week) is still out, as are Thomas Hickey and Cal Clutterbuck. The latter injury means speedy Shane Prince, one of 22 players fans insist should not be scratched, gets back into the lineup.

Prince looks to slot into Clutterbuck’s regular spot next to Casey Cizikas and Nikolay Kulemin.

The other lines remain, including the Once and Future Kid Line of Ryan Strome and rookie Anthony Beauvillier centered by Brock Nelson.

Thomas Greiss, now carrying a fresh three-year contract extension, is your starter in goal.

At the other end of the ice will be fellow German Philipp Grubauer, getting the start after workhorse Braden Holtby dutifully performed at the All-Star Game.

How To Do This

Check the morning skate and Japers’ Rink for Capitals updates and lines.

Chat up the game below. Leave your First Islanders Goal picks here by game time, which is 7 p.m. EST.

For TV, you’ve got MSG+, for radio it’s AM970 - The Answer, 88.7FM - WRHU and 103.9FM - LI News.

And as for where this one is being played, it’s {spins wheel} ...Nassau...Queens...Belmont...Brooklyn it is.