A sold out Barclays Center and a back and forth, playoff-like pace would create an exciting Tuesday night game for the Capitals and the Islanders. Unfortunately, due to a boatload of really bad turnovers, the game would end in a loss for the Capitals.
The first goal of the game came in eight minutes into the first with a rebound goal from Cal Clutterbuck to put the Islanders on top and give Clutterbuck his 99th goal. Was the goal because of a Dmitry Orlov turnover? Ugh, yes. Luckily, the Capitals answered back five minutes later to tie the game with a Justin Williams rebound goal. It was a weird one.
The second period was messy and heavy on the penalty side. Penalties were killed, power plays were wasted, but then with about six minutes remaining, Andrew Ladd buried a goal while John Carlson was asleep to bring the game to 2-1.
Going into the third period, the Capitals and Islanders were tied with shots on goal at 22 and the Caps were not about to lose on Ovechkin’s watch. Not even a minute and a half into the third period, Ovechkin ties the game with his 541st career goal off a feed from Williams. Unfortunately, Andrew Ladd responded (again) and the Islanders were back on top. Seconds later an unassisted goal from Anders Lee would put the Islanders up 4-2. Fast forward to 6:55 left in the period, Andre Burakovsky gives the Caps (and our spirits) a boost and buries one to bring the score to 4-3. But that wasn’t enough and the Capitals fall to the Islanders.
Observations
- The Orlov turnover? Yeah, those can stop.
- The Islanders are 3-2 this season when Andrew Ladd scores a goal. Hm.
- Like many of us, John Carlson might still be on Holiday vacation.
- Actually, the whole team might still be on vacation. This is only the second time in 19 games that the Caps have allowed 4 or more goals.
- Who decided Brooks Orpik should be in our FACES for this interview?
The second intermission featured an uncomfortably-close interview with Brooks Orpik! pic.twitter.com/tkekcXxgDk
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 28, 2016
All the goals
1-0 Islanders. Goal by Cal Clutterbuck (3) Assisted by Kluemin (6) and Strome (6). Dmitry Orlov – yuck.
Net front presence @JustinWilliams #CapsIsles on @csnma pic.twitter.com/ia4FRpYWLX
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2016
1-1 Tie. Goal by Justin Williams (8) Assisted by Ovechkin (10) and Orlov (14)
2-1 Islanders. Goal by Andrew Ladd (6) Assisted by Hickey (5) and Quine (5). John Carlson – yuck.
Backhand to the roof #CapsIsles on @csnma pic.twitter.com/jDeEfz3j9U
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2016
2-2 Tie. Goal by Alex Ovechkin (16) Assisted by Williams (5) and Kuznetsov (15)
3-2 Islanders. Goal by Andrew Ladd (7) Assisted by Quine (6) and Hickey (6). Referee – yuck.
4-2 Islanders. Goal by Anders Lee (13) Unassisted. Matt Niskanen – yuck.
Burkie brings us within 1! #CapsIsles on @csnma pic.twitter.com/PE8NPkbyHq
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 28, 2016
4-3 Capitals. Goal by Andre Burakovsky (4) Assisted by Beagle (7) and Niskanen (13)
Joe B Suit of the Night
Caps defense, please cut out the bad giveaways next game.
