Islanders Matinee Gameday: Capitals’ 1st Visit to Elmont [Game #30]

This afternoon the Islanders host the Washington Capitals (20-8-9), who are making their first visit to the new digs in Elmont, where the building at Belmont Park is starting to “feel like home.” Maybe it just needed a full-throated Josh Bailey Song rendition.

The Capitals are just 21 points ahead in the standings, though the Islanders do have {blinks at standings} eight games in hand.

Leave First Islanders Goal picks here for this 2 p.m. EST start.

Islanders News

• Notes and preview for this afternoon’s game: J-G Pageau and Sebastian Aho were back at practice yesterday after attending the birth of their respective children. [Isles]
• Yesterday’s escalating surprise of news was: Ross Johnston gets a hearing for that check that was called a minor on the ice; Ross Johnston gets suspended three games. [LHH | Newsday | NHL]
• On feeling more at home at UBS Arena. [Newsday | Athletic]
• Impossible to separate their recent little run of success (granted, against non-playoff position teams) from the power play actually contributing. It’s 10 for its last 30, getting pucks to the net more quickly. [Post]
• Adam Pelech was a surprise selection for All-Star Weekend’s goal-fest, but it’s his defense that got him there. [Isles]
• Back from personal leave but still in COVID Protocol, Barry Trotz has a plan for guiding the oft-postponed Isles through the buys stretch ahead. [Post]
• Alex Ovechkin returned to practice Friday and is expected to play this afternoon. [NHL]
• Maven’s Memories: The Isles were a doormat throughout their expansion season, but there was that 9-7 win at Boston Garden... [Isles]
• Yesterday in Isles history: Denis Potvin becomes the first defenseman to score 300 goals, and Evgeni Nabokov reached 300 wins. [Isles]

And looking back to Thursday’s win over the Devils, in that cinematic way:

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores included a bunch of games out West, plus the Panthers torching the visiting Stars.

• You’re no doubt breathlessly following the Canadiens search for a GM, which apparently includes player agent Kent Hughes. [TSN]
• But that story takes a back seat to how Mitch Marner is feeling as he returns to Toronto’s lineup. [TSN]
• Calvin de Haan gets fined for not behaving like a good Carp lad. [NHL]
• Alex Stalock has not played this season because of a heart condition, but he may make a comeback with the Oilers. [TSN]
• For the Canadian Olympic team, Claude Julien is the new coach and Shane Doan the GM. (Does Doan know they frown on headshots at the Olympics?) [NHL]