Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

New York Islanders (2-4-5) at Washington Capitals (8-2-2), 7 p.m.

The New York Islanders will try to post back-to-back victories for the first time since last March when they visit the streaking Washington Capitals tonight at Verizon Center.

The Isles, who haven't notched consecutive wins since March 7-8 of last season, ended a three-game slide their last time out by downing the rival New York Rangers on Wednesday. It was just the second victory in 11 games (2-4-5) for the Islanders this season.

The Capitals, meanwhile, have won six in a row and are coming off Thursday's close victory in Atlanta. Another victory tonight would tie Washington's longest winning streak from last season when it won seven straight from December 23-January 6.

New York recorded a home victory over the Rangers on Wednesday to pick up their first win since beating visiting Carolina on October 21. John Tavares notched a third-period insurance goal and Dwayne Roloson stopped 34 shots as the Islanders downed the Blueshirts, 3-1, at Nassau Coliseum.

Tavares, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, has four goals and four helpers in his first 11 NHL contests and ended a four-game pointless streak with his tally against the Rangers.

"The bounces haven't been going our way the last few games, but to finally come through like that it's great," said Tavares. "It's nice to come in a win like this."

Matt Moulson and Kyle Okposo also tallied for the Islanders, who are 2-2-2 on home ice this year, but winless (0-2-3) as the road club.

The Islanders welcomed back forward Doug Weight, who missed three games with swine flu. New York's captain posted an assist and has three helpers in six games this season.

Washington took an early lead over the Thrashers on Thursday and then held on for the win. Alex Ovechkin scored twice and added an assist to help the Capitals notch the 4-3 victory at Philips Arena. Ovechkin leads the NHL this year in both goals (13) and points (22).

"I just do my thing," Ovechkin said. "I just try to score goals and help our team win. Right now it doesn't matter how we win, it's two points."

Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble also tallied, while Brooks Laich added three assists for the Capitals, who held a 3-0 edge after two periods. Mike Green added an assists and has two goals and six helpers during a seven-game point streak.

Semyon Varlamov turned in a solid performance between the pipes, stopping 38- of-41 shots. Jose Theodore, who had 41 saves in Tuesday's win over Philadelphia, is expected to get the start tonight.

The Caps are playing the first of two straight on home ice tonight and will also host Columbus on Sunday. Washington is 4-1-1 at Verizon Center this season and has won three in a row in D.C.

Tonight's test marks the second meeting of the year between the Caps and Isles after Washington notched a 3-2 overtime victory on Long Island this past Saturday. The Caps have taken five straight against New York and the Islanders have dropped their last two and four of seven in D.C.