Washington Capitals: Top 3 keys to victory against Isles

#1 Show up in the third period

The Washington Capitals were missing the last two third periods. In their home contest against the Rangers, there was a combined six goals. Although the Caps scored two of them, they still allowed four after having a 4-0 lead. On Tuesday, things went from bad to worse.

The Caps had a 2-0 lead, but they since allowed five unanswered goals. They’ll be looking for a much better third period tonight and the chance to have a killer instinct.

The Caps will need to get used to the Islanders and the building they’re playing in. Four of the next five will be played at the coliseum. 19 of the 29 goals they’ve allowed in their last 12 games have come in the third period. It is something where the defense has to step up.

Dowd told the media via Mike Vogel of WashingtonCaps.com:

"“I think a little bit of it is that we’ve had some leads going into the third. Unfortunately, guys are either getting bored or we’re getting on our heels a little bit waiting for the time to tick down, and teams have been able to come back on us. It’s the NHL; teams are going to make a push. But in a game like that, we’re up 2-1 in a building [Madison Square Garden] like this with 20 minutes left to go. I’m not going to say we’ve got to learn how to hold onto leads, because we have one of the oldest teams in the NHL. We have to – as a group – understand why this is and what has to be done here.”"

Dowd is right. The Caps have to learn how to hold onto leads. It’s a new month and a new opportunity to get it right. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.