If the New York Islanders are looking for an easy way to end their losing streak, it won't come Saturday night. The Washington Capitals are not the recommended prescription for a six-game winless drought.
The Islanders will be looking for their first victory since Oct. 15 when they host the Southeast Division-leading Capitals (7 p.m., MSG PLUS) .
Through 11 games, the Capitals have outscored their opponents by an NHL-leading 17 goals, compiling a 9-2-0 record. Despite playing three fewer games than the Pittsburgh Penguins and two fewer games than the Toronto Maple Leafs, the conference's co-leaders, Washington is only one point away from the Eastern Conference lead.
The Capitals rely on Nicklas Backstrom (16 points), Alex Ovechkin (12 points) and the goaltending of Tomas Vokoun (7-1-0, 2.36 GAA, .920 SV %). Despite playing fewer games than 22 teams in the NHL, the Capitals top the league in goals scored.
The Islanders were blanked Thursday by Winnipeg, 3-0, for their sixth straight loss. The Islanders have not earned a victory since completing a three-game winning streak with a 4-2 defeat of the New York Rangers on Oct. 15.
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