The New York Islanders defeated the Washington Capitals in Game 2 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Islanders also won Game 1 with a score of 4-2. Here is the recap of Game 2 between the Islanders and Capitals.
New York: Thomas Hickey, Michael Dal Colle, Tom Kuhnhackl, Andrew Ladd, Noah Dobson, Sebastian Aho, Johnny Boychuk, Ross Johnston, Otto Koivula, Christopher Gibson
Washington: Nicklas Backstrom, Tyler Lewington, Beck Malenstyn, Alexander Alexeyv, Pheonix Copley, Radko Gudas, Connor McMichael, Brian Pinho, Philippe Maillet, Daniel Sprong, Martin Fehervary
The Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin wanted to make sure his team didn’t start slow so he scored 56 seconds into the period. This is Ovechkin’s first goal since the postseason started. From there, the game went back and forth with an added spark of physicality towards the midpoint of the game. Despite the Capitals having the lead, the Islanders outshot them 12-6 by the end of the period.
Washington went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.
Whatever Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said to his players during intermission, it got them going. The Islanders would score three goals in just this period alone. Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy scored the team’s first goal on a power play to tie the game at one. Then, Islanders forward Matt Martin scored after Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby made a save on Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck. The lead was now a one goal game. However, Ovechkin answered back 1:38 later and scored his second goal of the game. But, Islanders forward Brock Nelson responded with a goal of his own 15 seconds later. This period was all about the goals if you haven’t figured that out yet.
New York went into the third period with a 3-2 lead.
The Capitals had control of this period but couldn’t finish their scoring chances. And, the Islanders took advantage of the Capitals’ missed opportunities. The Islanders would then take back control of this game and added on two more goals. Clutterbuck got a second chance and scored after Holtby robbed him of a goal last period. And, Islanders captain Anders Lee sealed the game scoring an empty netter extending the lead to three.
New York won the game 5-2 and extended their series lead 2-0.
Third Star: Alex Ovechkin (2 goals)
Second Star: Jean-Gabriel Pageau (2 assists)
First Star: Nick Leddy (1 goal)
New York continues to show its dominance on both ends of the ice. And, that’s when they play their best hockey which makes them an even more dangerous team this postseason. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Trotz beats his former team in the Capitals to move on to the second round. He might even take this Islanders team to the Eastern Conference Finals if they keep this kind of play going.
On the other hand, the 2018 champions are in a deep situation being down two games in this series. It’s good to see that Ovechkin still has the ability to find ways to score. But, it’s going to take more than just Ovechkin to win this series. Defense has been a struggle for the Capitals since Trotz left the team after they won the Cup in 2018. If this team can solidify a defensive plan to counteract the Islanders’ offense, then they should have a good chance of making this an even series.
Game 3 between the Islanders-Capitals is on Aug. 16 at 12:00 pm EST.
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