The Washington Capitals secured a critical victory against the New York Islanders, winning 3-1 at UBS Arena on Tuesday night. This game marked the Capitals' penultimate regular-season match, improving their record to 51-21-9 and solidifying their position as the top seed in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Islanders, already eliminated from playoff contention, ended their season with a disappointing home record of 19-17-5.
Dylan Strome was the star of the night, netting a hat trick that included one goal in each period. Strome's performance was particularly impressive as he set a new career high with 29 goals this season, surpassing his previous record of 27 set last year. "It feels great to hit that milestone and contribute to the team's success," Strome said after the game. He also added that he was grateful for the support from his teammates, especially during the critical moments of the match. Strome's first goal came on a power play at 8:15 in the first period, where he wristed a shot that deflected off Ryan Pulock's leg and past Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
Washington's goaltender, Charlie Lindgren, played a pivotal role in the victory, making 34 saves and showcasing his skill with several key stops that kept the Islanders at bay. Lindgren, who has won nine of his last 14 starts dating back to February 6, was praised by his teammates for his performance. "Charlie was outstanding tonight. He made some big saves when we needed them most," Strome noted, highlighting Lindgren's contributions.
The Capitals' second goal came at 7:52 in the second period when Strome unleashed a powerful slap shot from the slot, again finding the back of the net after receiving a pass from Alex Ovechkin, who continues to be a crucial playmaker for Washington. Ovechkin, who has tallied at least one point in each of his last eight games, assisted on Strome's second goal and recorded his 28th assist of the season, bringing his career total to 726. Strome's goal not only marked his 28th of the season but also pushed him past the 80-point mark for the first time in his nine-season NHL career, making him just the fifth Capital to achieve this milestone since the 2009-10 season.
The Islanders managed to get on the board in the third period with a goal from Jean-Gabriel Pageau at 11:36, but it was too little, too late. Pageau's goal came after he redirected a puck into the net following a scramble in front of Lindgren. Despite their efforts, the Islanders struggled to capitalize on their power play opportunities, failing to score on four chances throughout the game. Their inability to convert on the power play has been a recurring theme this season, reflecting their overall struggles.
As the game neared its conclusion, Strome completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal at 18:49, sealing the victory for the Capitals. "It was a great feeling to finish the game like that," Strome said, visibly excited about his achievement. The hat trick was his third career hat trick and his first as a member of the Capitals. Strome's recent performance has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has recorded 13 points, including six goals, in his last nine games.
The Capitals' next game will be crucial as they prepare for the playoffs, facing the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The Capitals will look to carry this momentum into the postseason, especially with players like Strome and Ovechkin stepping up at crucial moments.
On the other hand, the Islanders will be looking to regroup as they finish their season against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coach Patrick Roy expressed disappointment over the season's outcome but praised his team's effort throughout the game. "We fought hard until the end, and that's something we can build on for next season," Roy stated.
As the Capitals celebrated their win, they also took a moment to honor Matt Martin, who is likely playing his final game at UBS Arena. The crowd acknowledged Martin's contributions to the team over the years, giving him a heartfelt send-off. The Capitals' victory not only solidified their playoff position but also served as a reminder of the highs and lows of the season for both teams.
With the regular season coming to a close, all eyes will be on the Capitals as they prepare for the postseason, while the Islanders will need to reflect and regroup for future challenges. The excitement of playoff hockey is just around the corner, and fans can expect thrilling matchups as the best teams in the league vie for the ultimate prize.
