UNIONDALE, NY— A strong start this month put the Islanders in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
But back-to-back losing performances against first-place clubs demonstrated just how far the Isles need to go to hang with league’s elite opponents.
Washington’s NHL-best offense surged to five goals on its first 18 shots as the Capitals [...]

UNIONDALE, NY— Posting a third-period lead at home is supposed to be a precursor for success.
But the Islanders once again allowed the opposition to build positive momentum after blowing a two-goal lead for a second straight home game. Unlike in the shootout win over Carolina, rookie John Tavares couldn’t bail the Isles out this time [...]

NEW YORK- Henrik Lundqvist earned the nickname the King for his All-Star caliber regular seasons and his off-ice charisma.
But Lundqvist was forced to temporarily abdicate the throne after the Capitals scored five goals on its first 20 shots en route to a 5-3 victory in Game 6 in a Sunday matinee at Madison Square Garden. [...]

Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals aren’t ready to roll over and die. Trailing 3-1 in the first round for the second consecutive year, they staved off elimination in fine style with a dominant 4-0 Game Five win over the Rangers before a loud Verizon Center to extend the series.
The Rangers will get another opportunity to [...]

It’s not their goalie but rather the one at the other end who’s making life difficult for the Capitals. Even a goalie change couldn’t prevent the obvious in this series. That the Rangers boast the superior netminder which was yet again on display.
Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 35 shots allowing Ryan Callahan’s first period tally to [...]

When the final buzzer sounded, the Rangers and an entire fanbase exhaled. That’s what kind of topsy turvy night it was as somehow minus captain Chris Drury, they found a way to edge Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals, stealing Game One of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinal 4-3 at a jam packed Verizon Center in [...]

In almost 24 hours, the second season will get started for John Tortorella’s Rangers when they visit superstar Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in D.C.  If they did what was required by winning the final three to earn a fourth straight trip to the postseason and the East’s No.7 seed, then by no means will [...]

UNIONDALE, NY- Alex Ovechkin usually makes highlight films thanks to offensive rushes that formulate into highlight-worthy plays. Yet the NHL’s reigning MVP and scoring champion is also capable of destroying teams with subtle actions. Before centerman Nicklas Backstrom takes an offensive zone faceoff, Ovechkin deftly lines up directly behind the circle

UNIONDALE, NY– Injuries and a sputtering offense continues to exacerbate problems in a dismal Islanders season. But for all the organization’s talk about a youth movement, the club was able to see what a young, home-grown star really looks like.
Alex Ovechkin continued the Islanders misery, scoring both of Washington’s goals in a 2-1 overtime victory [...]