Not a lot has gone right for the New York Islanders this season, expect their play against the Washington Capitals, who host the Isles' Tuesday night in an Eastern Conference contest at the Verizon Center (7 p.m. on MSG+). The Islanders (26-28-8, 60-points) will be looking for their third victory over the Capitals (31-25-5, 67 points) this year and hoping to gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings.
On Saturday, New York lost 5-2 at the Ottawa Senators dropping its third in four games. The Islanders, however, are still clinging onto playoff hopes, as they sit in 13th-place in the Eastern Conference standings, eight points behind the final playoff spot, which is held by the Winnipeg Jets.
Meanwhile, the Capitals currently sit in ninth place in the East, one point behind Winnipeg, but have earned consecutive victories.
Left-winger Alex Ovechkin leads Washington in both points (48) and goals (25), while assists leaders, Nicklas Backstrom, will not play because of am injury.
For more Islanders coverage, be sure to check out SB Nation New York and Lighthouse Hockey.