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New York Islanders Three Keys Against Washington Capitals

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
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 /
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Dec 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) reacts after being called for a minor penalty against Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) reacts after being called for a minor penalty against Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Just Stay Out of the Box

The Washington Capitals are in an uncommon situation, their powerplay efficiency is under 21% for the first time in over three seasons. Their current 20.7% powerplay efficiency isn’t far off, but it’s still off from what they’re generally used to.

But that won’t last. Over that incredible run the Capitals have been on this month, they’ve gone 31.6% on the powerplay scoring 12 for 38 opportunities. On only four occasions in January did the Capitals fail to register a power play goal.

Three came against the Kyroptinyte holding Ottawa Senators, the other was the Columbus Blue Jackets. On nine other occasions, the Capitals registered at least one power play goal.

More from Eyes on Isles: The Arena Drama Continues

The Capitals power play is much better than it shows. Give it a chance and it’s likely going to execute unless you’re the Ottawa Senators that is.

And again, that’s without Alex Ovechkin contributing like he’s used to. Over that spell of power play form, Ovie has notched only five points, three of those being goals.

Ovie has nine power play goals this season, putting him on pace for 15. Considering he scored 19 last season, that would be year-over-year of power play goal recession by Ovie. So, much like key number two, either Ovie is on a slide, or he’s just about to heat up. I’m putting my money on the later. So that means Andrew Ladd and his penchant for untimely penalties are going to have to take a seat.

Next: What Does Greiss' Deal Mean for Berube?

The Isles need to carry that momentum they picked up before the All-Star Break. With the Flyers playing tonight as well, a win would at least mean the Isles keep pace. At best, it brings them to within three points of the wild-card and maintains their three games in hand.

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