New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals [Game #37 thread]

So the Washington Capitals are in town. Lately they’re kind of the unstoppable Capitals, though the Rangers did, in fact, stop them in New York the other night. That makes twice that the Rangers have beaten the Capitals since the Islanders last faced them, and lost.

That’s the first and last time I’ll ever say something remotely complimentary about the Smurfs.

The Capitals are 10-2 in their last 12 games (in accordance with the above statement, I’ll not reference where that “2” came from) and have conceded 29 goals during that time. Their official site notes that 19 of those 29 have been in the third period, which makes them a bit leaky late in games, if you want to put stock in that.

Tonight opens a six-game homestand, and the first of several overdue visits by the Capitals to the Coliseum.

This time around the Capitals are at much fuller strength; not a lot of signs point to optimism in this one — and this is an opponent against whom the loss of Anders Lee seems particularly glaring — but at least Noah Dobson is likely making his way back (though probably at the expense of Thomas Hickey, who’s been quite strong in his stead).

Good luck, Noah and all.