The New York Islanders bounced back impressively from a recent 7-0 defeat, overpowering the Washington Capitals with a 5-1 victory at UBS Arena on Friday. Jean-Gabriel Pageau led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring two goals and adding two assists. Julien Gauthier also shone brightly, netting two goals and an assist.
Goalkeeper Ilya Sorokin was nearly flawless, stopping 26 shots and narrowly missing a shutout, conceding a goal only in the final seconds. Bo Horvat facilitated the offense with two assists, contributing to the Islanders’ (17-9-9) assertive response after their heavy loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Capitals (17-11-5), enduring their third consecutive loss, struggled to find their rhythm. Nicolas Aube-Kubel managed to score a late goal, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Islanders’ dominance. Washington faced an early setback when goalie Charlie Lindgren exited with an upper-body injury, forcing Darcy Kuemper into action, who ended up conceding four goals.
Pageau’s impact was particularly notable, as his one-timer opened the scoring in the second period, setting the tone for the game. Noah Dobson soon followed with another goal, amplifying the Islanders’ momentum.
Gauthier’s back-to-back goals in the third period within just 18 seconds highlighted the Islanders’ offensive outburst, with Pageau’s second goal further cementing their lead.
Washington’s challenges were compounded by the loss of defenseman Martin Fehervary early in the first period following a collision and fall. Coach Spencer Carbery expressed concern over the injuries and acknowledged the difficulty of losing a player so early in the match.
The Islanders’ victory was a statement of resilience and a return to form, showcasing their ability to recover and excel even after tough losses. For the Capitals, the defeat adds to their recent struggles, emphasizing the need for adjustments to regain their winning ways.
