The last time the Capitals faced the New York Islanders 10 days ago their opponents left feeling sure that a Columbus Day win had slipped from their grasp.
The Islanders had no intention of suffering the same fate on Thursday night at Verizon Center. This time the Caps were the team left scratching their head after a disappointing 5-2 loss.
New York defenseman Bryan Berard’s power-play goal at the 9 minute, 39 second mark of the third period broke a 2-2 tie and erased a Caps’ rally. Forward Bill Guerin then put the game away with a power-play goal at 14:08, his second of the game, and completed his ninth career hat trick with a final tally at 18:26. In the Caps’ 2-1 Columbus Day win, New York allowed just 12 shots on goal in a losing effort.
“It’s kind of like the way we played at their place,” said Caps forward Chris Clark. “We had two opportunities and scored on them. They had plenty and didn’t. We won that one and they ended up winning this one where I think we outplayed them.”
The Islanders (4-3) led 2-0 after two periods before goals by Alex Ovechkin, his fourth of the year, and Tomas Fleischmann tied the game at 2 and brought the crowd into the game. But a tripping penalty by Clark a little over two minutes after Fleischmann’s goal proved costly with Berard scoring. He finished with a goal and two assists.
“We gave them some opportunities at some crucial times tonight and they buried them,” said Caps defenseman Brian Pothier.
The Caps outshot their opponent for the first time since the home opener against Carolina on Oct. 6, winning that battle 29-21. But they failed to convert on four power plays in the second period alone, including a 5-on-3 for 52 seconds near the period’s halfway point. They were 0-for-6 overall, leaving their season mark at a paltry 4-for-32 (12.5 percent). That’s good for 25th in the NHL, one spot below where they finished last season.
“It’s frustrating because there was an improvement tonight,” said forward Matt Pettinger, whose team has lost three straight since opening 3-0. “But it won’t show on the scoresheet.”
Game Notes
» Capitals goalie Olie Kolzig entered the game with a 26-9 record vs. the Islanders, tied for most wins in his career against one team. He also has 26 against Carolina. Kolzig finished with 16 saves on 21 shots.
» Forward Brian Sutherby and defenseman John Erskine were healthy scratches for theCaps. Center Boyd Gordon (back spasms) was also scratched.
» A potential goal by Islander forward Ruslan Fedotenko in the first minute of the third period was wiped out because he played the puck with a high stick. Replay officials confirmed the call on the ice.
