Recap: Capitals 3, Islanders 1

After an emotional win over Toronto on Thursday, the prevailing emotion in the New York Islanders room after Friday's 3-1 loss to Washington was frustration.
Tom Kuhnhackl had the Islanders up 1-0 entering the third period, but a pair of Capitals goals 1:08 apart did the Isles in, as they suffered their first regulation loss on the second night of a back-to-back this season (9-1-1). With the loss, the Capitals tied the Islanders in the standings with 81 points, though the Isles held onto first place in the Metro as they hold a game in hand.
"We had the lead going into the third and obviously we're coming in here with a loss," was captain Anders Lee's succinct summary.
BOXSCORE | LEE POSTGAME

There was worry beforehand of an emotional letdown after the Toronto game, and while the still-loud crowd was down a few decibels, both fans and players were certainly engaged. A first period shift epitomized the physical nature of Friday's contest, as Cal Clutterbuck toppled Matt Niskanen and Alex Ovechkin responded with a Welcome to the NHL hit on Devon Toews.
The stakes, which were essentially first place in the Metro, were not lost on the Isles, who led 2:43 into the contest thanks to a nifty backhand deke by Kuhnhackl on a breakaway.
"We knew how important this game was and where Washington where we both stand in the Metro and all that stuff," Lee said. "We were up, we were ready to go and we put ourselves in a position to win and it got away from us."

The decisive stretch came early in the third period. Jakub Vrana potted a Nicklas Backstrom rebound at 3:26 to tie the score 1-1. Lee was whistled for an interference call about a minute later and Alex Ovechkin converted on the power play, batting a puck out of the air, off Johnny Boychuk's stick and past Thomas Greiss (26 saves) at 4:34.
Ovechkin's goal was his 45th of the season, making him the first NHLer to record 45 goals in 10 seasons.
The two-goal spurt accentuated the Islanders missed chances earlier in the game, in a game that featured few of them. Mathew Barzal rung a shot off the crossbar on a first period breakaway, while Brock Nelson slid a puck through the crease and off the post.
The comeback bid ended on a unfortunate note, as Josh Bailey's pass missed Brock Nelson and wound up in the Islanders empty net with 1:28 to play. TJ Oshie was credited with the 3-1 goal.
"It's on me," Bailey said. "I was trying to get it over to him and I put it a little too hard. I have to be better in that situation when the game is on the line and the goalie is pulled you have to be sharp and that wasn't the case there."

Barry Trotz said the key at this time of the season is to move on and re-focus, regardless of a win or a loss. The Isles have a day off before Sunday's matinee against Philadelphia and that's where their focus squarely is.
"Let's reset, figure it out and take the day tomorrow to recuperate and get back at it," Lee said. "These games coming up are too important to sulk and be pissed off. We will be tonight. We'll wake up tomorrow pissed off and then we have to start focusing on Philly."

MARTIN, LADD MISS GAME:

Matt Martin missed Friday's game with an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day. Andrew Ladd, who recently returned from a three-month absence, was a healthy scratch, likely to ease him back into regular work. Ross Johnston drew into the lineup for the first time since Jan. 12.

NEXT GAME:

The Islanders take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.