The Washington Capitals beat their Metropolitan rivals, the New York Islanders, 3-2 in overtime Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The Capitals improved to 42-10-4 (88 pts) on the year while the Islanders fell to 30-19-7 (67 pts) on the year. The Caps continue to build on their commanding lead in the Eastern Conference while the Islanders still continue to hold on to their playoff hopes. Caps' captain Alex Ovechkin led the way with two goals (36, 37). 

Slow Start For Washington

The Capitals came out slow in the first period as they made many mistakes and failed to score on their few opportunities. Andre Burakovsky was sent to the box as he was called for a hold with just over nine minutes left in the first. The Capitals then got a power play of their own but failed to convert, and the game remained tied up at zero. That was until Islanders superstar John Tavares scored his 22nd goal of the season with just under five minutes in the first to give the Isles a 1-0 lead going into the intermission. 

Ovi Awakens

The Capitals came out firing on all cylinders in the second period as Ovechkin scored just over a minute into the second period. It didn't take long for an encore as Ovechkin scored yet again, this time on the power play less than two minutes later. Both goalies were solid for the rest of the period as no more goals were scored and the Capitals took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

Nielsen Surprisingly Knots Things Up

The Capitals stepped up their defense big time in the third as they held the Islanders to few shots and few scoring chances. It looked as though the Caps' would pull out a win in Brooklyn, but Frans Nielsen had other plans as he scored the game-tying goal with just 1:44 left in the game. The Caps were left absolutely shell shocked by this goal. Nobody would score again and the game would head to overtime. 

Overtime Win Clinched By Williams For Washington

Much like the rest of the game, the two defenses played a big role and shut down the opposing offense. It seemed like the game was destined for a shootout until Caps' forward Justin Williams scored the game-winning goal with just 44 seconds left in overtime to clinch the W for the Capitals.

What's Next?

The Capitals will return home to take on the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. They will look to improve on their already very impressive season thus far. As for the Islanders, they will be looking to get back on track as they will also be taking on the Devils in their next game this Friday.

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About the author
Norman Tall
Norman Is a writer who mostly covers NFL.( A lot of New York Giants) Also enjoys watching Hockey.