Capitals play spoiler to Islanders playoff hopes

The Washington Capitals took care of business in a 5-2 win on home ice over the New York Islanders. The win snapped the Capitals six game losing streak and hurt the Islanders playoff chances while at the same time helping the Pittsburgh Penguins control their own destiny. You’re welcome guys.

The Caps struck twice in the games first 63 seconds and never looked back. Dylan Strome got things rolling 36 seconds in with John Carlson providing the assist. Rasmus Sandin doubled the lead at 1:03 for his sixth goal of the season with Craig Smith and Nicklas Backstrom with the helpers.

At 13:13 Smith made it 3-0 which was his eighth goal of the season with Martin Fehervary assisting on it. 3-0 was the score after 20 with the Islanders leading in shots 14-10.

The second period was scoreless as the Caps led in shots 10-9. The Caps were outshot 17-5 in the third but the Islanders struggled to get what they needed past Darcy Kuemper. The Isles led in shots 40-25 overall. Kuemper finished his night with 38 saves.

Hudson Fasching got them on the board at 14:52. Tom Wilson got one back at 15:44 for his 11th goal of the season. Casey Cizikas made it a 4-2 game at 16:43. Strome put it away with his career high 23rd goal which was assisted by Conor Sheary and Wilson.

While Strome put the game away with an empty netter it was Kuemper who was trying to get the goal himself:

If there’s ever a time to try it’s probably there…up a couple of goals. Just happy they didn’t score on the first one they gloved down. The second I just kind of gave up and just chipped it out of the zone.”

Tonight at 7 p.m. the Capitals travel to Boston to take on the Bruins and old friends Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway. On Thursday the season concludes with a home game against the New Jersey Devils.