The New York Islanders are playing their second straight game at the Capital One Arena in Washington, looking to get the win this time.

On Tuesday, the Islanders-Capitals series began when they faced off for the first time in 2021. It was the first game played by the two since their series in the Toronto bubble, where the Islanders took the series, 4-1. Tuesday’s game wasn’t as pretty for the Isles, however, as a Justin Schultz goal broke open a well-contested game in the final minute, and the Capitals won 3-2.

This was the Islanders’ second straight loss, as they lost 2-0 to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. They are trying to stop the skid before it gets out of hand, as one cold streak in a shortened season can make or break your playoff berth. In the game, Semyon Varlamov has continued his strong start to the season, saving 34 of 37 shots. Mat Barzal was also played well as he scored a goal and an assist. Noah Dobson netted his first goal of the season. John Carlson, Daniel Sprong, and Justin Schultz each had goals for the Caps in the win.

Islanders’ Storylines

Anthony’s Absence

Anthony Beauvillier suffered a lower-body injury that sidelined him Tuesday, and since then has been moved to the IR. The duration of the injury is still unknown but not expected to be significant. This leaves a hole in the Islander’s second line. Barry Trotz might look upon Jean-Gabriel Pageau to be that 2C, due to his offensive upside. Pageau could thrive with wingers of Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey. If the fourth line remains the same, that leaves infinite combinations to fill the third line.

Rookies vs Veterans

With only twelve spots for forwards, Trotz has to choose between veterans like Leo Komarov and Ross Johnston and rookies like Kieffer Bellows or Oliver Wahlstrom. “We had one line tonight,” said Trotz after the loss, referencing the line of Mat Barzal, Anders Lee, and Jordan Eberle. For sustained success, Trotz needs to manufacture the best possible lines for the team. Leo Komarov’s unnecessary penalty and defensive breakdown led to the game-winning goal. Also, Ross Johnston has been held off the scoresheet in the first six games. Fans have had enough and would like to see more of Bellows, Wahlstrom, Otto Koivula, or Dmytro Timashov.

Noah Dobson is Hot

Noah Dobson has arguably been the best Islanders defenseman in the young season. Dobson was clearly raw in his first rookie season but has been much stronger both offensively and defensively this season. He currently has one goal and four assists in six games. He has almost always been paired with Andy Greene, and being paired with a veteran seems to be paying tremendous dividends.

Capitals’ Storylines

Caps Are Still Yet to Lose in Regulation

The Washington Capitals currently have 11 points in their first seven games. They have won four games, three against the Buffalo Sabres, and one against the Islanders. They have lost three games, but all of them were in the shootout. That leads the Capitals to sit atop the MassMutual East Division.

COVID-19 Protocols Keep Ovechkin, Other Stars Sidelined

Due to COVID-19 Protocols, four Capitals players have been obligated mandatory absences from team activities. Those players include forwards Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman Dmitry Orlov, and goaltender Ilya Samsonov. While the players are quarantining, the undermanned Capitals need players to step up to continue their early success.

Vitek Vanecek Emerging as Unexpected Hero

As Washington’s starter Ilya Samsonov went to the COVID-19 list after only two games, Vanecek has had to play the other five with no prior NHL experience. In Vanecek’s first five games, he has saved 156 of 170 shots and won three of them. Vanecek, who is only even playing in the NHL because of Henrik Lundqvist’s potentially career-ending injury, has stepped up to the plate when his team needed him. He is likely to be the starter in the second half of this Capitals-Islanders series.

Where to Watch It

Tonight’s game, the second in the Islanders-Capitals series, will be broadcasted on MSG+2, where Brendan Burke and Butch Goring will be on the mic. The pregame beings at 6:30 ET and puck drop is at 7:00 ET.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others