Caps 7 (EN), Isles 3: Looking for signs of life

This somehow managed to be a boring game in which 10 total goals were scored. There are 12 games left in the regular season and the Islanders are 10 points out of a playoff spot. Technically the “we need to win 10 of our next 13 games” mantra is still alive, but this team is not winning 10 out of 12 games, nor should they try to. Now is the time to start fallin’ for Dahlin.

[Game Sum | Event Sum | Natural Stat Trick | Corsica | HockeyViz]

First Period

The Islanders struck early, as Brock Nelson got onto the board 2:19 into the first period, his 16th of the season. However, the lead would not last long, as Lars Eller and then TJ Oshie scored to give the Capitals the lead. Oshie’s goal broke a scoring drought going back to January. Not to be outdone, Mathew Barzal got the puck to Andrew Ladd, who ended a scoring drought going back to right after Christmas to make it 2-2.

Unfortunately, after the quick flurry of goals, the Caps scored again as Dmitry Orlov restored Washington’s lead.

Casey Cizikas was hit up high by Noted Trash Bag Tom Wilson earlier in the period, and returned from concussion protocol to play the rest of the game.

Second Period

It would not get better for the Islanders. Jakub Jerabek’s shot was deflected past Christopher Gibson by Andre Burakovsky, and then Nicklas Backstrom scored to make it 5-2. Gibson was pulled for Halak to try to salvage something from this game.

Cal Clutterbuck and Noted Trash Bag Tom Wilson got into it, exchanging cheap shots at different points in the period.

Third Period

John Carlson made it 6-2 but Ryan Pulock struck back, but it’s too little, too late. TJ Oshie scored on the empty net after Halak was pulled, making the final score 7-3.

Quick Thoughts

• I hope Tavares just puts pen to paper already, I do think that all this contract noise is starting to affect his play. The season’s over already, John. Sign the contract.
• Mathew Barzal now has 70 points in 70 games. I hear that’s good?
• This season really, really sucks. Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin, if you’re reading: you need to clean house on management and coaching. Garth Snow dug the team into a hole that he cannot get out of, and appointing a rookie coach has not helped. The fans are tired of it.

Up Next

Next, the Islanders head to Washington to play the Capitals as part of the second half of the home-and-home series. Maybe they’ll show up at the Capital One Arena, we’ll see!