Game Preview: Islanders vs. Capitals

New York Islanders (11-11-5) vs. Washington Capitals (17-7-3)

"We've got four [games] in six [nights]," head coach Jack Capuano said on Monday. "We have to move onto the next one, focus on what we have to do to be better and continuously work and hopefully win some hockey games as we move forward."

The Islanders received good news on Monday, as Johnny Boychuk - who left Saturday's game after blocking a shot - participated in practice. Adam Pelech, who was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 28, also skated on Monday, but will not be back for Tuesday's game.
"Pelly is coming along, he's doing fine, I don't know how long away he is, he wouldn't be ready to play tomorrow," Capuano said. "Other than that the health of the team is pretty good."
Anthony Beauvillier centered a line with Andrew Ladd and Shane Prince on Monday, suggesting the rookie could be back in the lineup on Tuesday after sitting out Saturday's contest. Ryan Strome and Alan Quine shared center duties on Monday.

Tavares Streaking:

John Tavares brings a three-game goal streak and a five game point streak (3G, 2A) into Tuesday's game. The Islanders captain has eight points (4G, 4A) in his last eight games and leads the team with 22 points (9G, 13A) in 27 games this season.

Star Wars Beanie Night:

The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Star Wars beanie.
Click here for tickets.

Capitals Notes:

The Capitals bring a four-game winning streak into Tuesday's game. Nicklas Backstrom leads the Capitals with 25 points (8G, 17A) in 27 games, though none of the Capitals top threats are scoring at a point-per-game pace. Alex Ovechkin leads the team with 13 goals, but has 21 total points on the season.
The Capitals aren't hurting for offense, but are making up for the downturn with sound defense and goaltending, ranking in the NHL with 2.11 goals allowed per game. Reigning Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby is 13-6-2 on the season with a 2.08 goals-against average, a .925 save percentage and is coming off a 20-save shutout over the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is starting to heat up for the Capitals after a sluggish start to the season. The 24-year-old Russian is riding a five-game assist streak, counteracting a 14-game stretch where he scored three total points.
Kuznetsov had a breakout season last year, netting 77 points (20G, 57A), so he'll make the Capitals even more dangerous if he can sustain his recent production