New York Islanders at Washington Capitals [Game 47]

The New York Islanders play their second game in two nights, this time on the road as they take on the Washington Capitals. The Capitals are trying to stave off the Islanders in the standings and come into this one having been off since Tuesday. The Islanders meanwhile have not lost a game as the tired team going against a rested opponent this season. With an Islanders victory and a Columbus Blue Jackets loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Islanders would be in first place in the Metropolitan. With a loss and a victory by the Pittsburgh Penguins in regulation against the Arizona Coyotes, they can fall into a tie for third place in the Metropolitan and the first wild card spot.

Barry Trotz is making his first trip back to Washington after he coached them to a Stanley Cup Championship. Trotz noted that he has no beefs with anybody in the organization and spent time yucking it up with the Arena staff prior to the game. No word as to whether or not there will be a brief pregame ceremony or not.

Thomas Greiss is the likely starter in net, though Barry Trotz would not disclose that information (nor would he disclose any other potential lineup changes). Tom Kuhnhackl was apparently ready to go for one of these games, but he’s since fallen ill and did not make the trip to D.C. That would leave Luca Sbisa or Ross Johnston as potential replacements in the lineup and it would be unwise for either of them to play in a game with this much on the line.

Game time is at 7:30 P.M. E.S.T.