Braden Holtby looks to make history in the final games (Caps Outsider)
The Caps prepare to take on a chippy Islander team who has everything to play for when they come to Verizon Center on Tuesday. The Islanders sit two points behind the Rangers for third in the Metropolitan Division,four points ahead of the Flyers for the first wild card position, and five points ahead of the Bruins from missing the playoffs entirely. A win will clinch a playoff berth for them. They have won four of their last five.
The Islanders and Caps always play a tough game. Expect both teams to come out on all cylinders as the two teams may be first round opponents again this spring. The Islanders beat Tampa 5-2 on Monday so the Caps will need to take advantage. If the Caps can get a goal early, they may shake the Islanders confidence and turn this game into a blowout. Also, the Islanders are without goalie Jaroslav Halak.
With four games left, the Capitals need to continue to play strong as they gear up for the playoffs. The Caps will look to help Braden Holtby tie Martin Brodeur’s record for wins in a single season. The Caps will most likely have to do it without Nicklas Bacsktrom for a third straight game who is out with a “upper body injury.” Michael Latta will be play tonight. Look for Barry Trotz to start to show his hand as to who will be in the lineup for game 1 as the playoffs are around the corner.
