New York Islanders Three Keys Against Washington Capitals

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Dec 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Andrew Ladd (16) reacts after scoring during the third period against the Washington Capitals at Barclays Center. The Islanders won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that the All-Star Break is over the New York Islanders head back to the ice against the red hot Washington Capitals. The Isles are still five points out, every point matters. How do they get two against the Caps?

The New York Islanders are a shadow of themselves from earlier this year. In a good way. They fumbled to a 17-17-8 record and sat dead last in the Eastern Conference. Now, they sit just five points back of Philadelphia after picking up eleven from a possible 12 points.

Momentum is clearly on the Islanders side. But if we’re to learn anything from this season it’s that the Islanders haven’t been able to hold that momentum after a break.

Back in December, the Islanders were riding a wave of unusual form. Going 4-1-0 beating teams like the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets. And if it wasn’t for Halak’s awful play against the Minnesota Wilds –the Isles one loss– it could have been 5-0-0.

The Isles were winning and scoring a ton. That run saw the Islanders score an average of 4.6 goals for. And then they went on that league-mandated week-long bye-week. And the wheels feel off.

The Isles went a completely mediocre 2-2-2 as they came back from the break, fired their coach and are now back on track with a 5-0-1 run. Or so it seems.

The Islanders need to keep the momentum they started before the All-Star, so how do they get two points against a hotter Washington Capitals team?