New York Islanders (29-14-5, third in the East Division) vs. Washington Capitals (31-13-4, second in the East Division)
Washington; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT
LINE: Capitals -118, Islanders -102
BOTTOM LINE: Washington hosts the New York Islanders after Daniel Sprong scored two goals in the Capitals' 6-3 win over the Islanders.
The Capitals are 31-13-4 in division games. Washington is second in the league recording 9.3 points per game, averaging 3.5 goals and 5.8 assists.
The Islanders are 29-14-5 against opponents in the East Division. New York averages just 2.8 penalties per game, the least in the NHL. Ross Johnston leads the team averaging 0.9.
The teams meet for the second straight game.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nicklas Backstrom leads the Capitals with 34 assists and has 48 points this season. T.J. Oshie has six goals and five assists over the last 10 games for Washington.
Mathew Barzal leads the Islanders with 39 points, scoring 13 goals and collecting 26 assists. Jean-Gabriel Pageau has three goals and two assists over the last 10 games for New York.
LAST 10 GAMES: Capitals: 6-4-0, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.4 assists, 3.4 penalties and 8.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game with a .917 save percentage.
Islanders: 5-4-1, averaging 1.8 goals, 2.8 assists, 2.2 penalties and 4.6 penalty minutes while allowing 1.9 goals per game with a .937 save percentage.
INJURIES: Capitals: Alex Ovechkin: day to day (lower body), Michal Kempny: out (lower body), Justin Schultz: day to day (lower body).
Islanders: Ross Johnston: out (undisclosed).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by
