Rosner Wrap: Islanders All Over the Place, Quick Shuts Out Canes

The New York Islanders were all over the place in their 5-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. Islanders head coach Lane Lambert changed up a lineup that had won three straight, as Cal Clutterbuck returned from injury.

The line changes, whether it was to provide a spark or just to see where Clutterbuck would work best, ultimately failed as the Islanders scored just one goal on 18 shots, failing to test Darcy Kuemper often enough. Their mistakes, in their own zone especially by defenseman and forwards proved costly, allowing for the Capitals to take a 2-1 lead.

The Islanders are now in the second wild-card spot with a three-point lead over the Florida Panthers who have one game in hand.

Up next for the Islanders is a Tuesday night showdown against the Los Angeles Kings who are 4-0-1 over their last five games.

Here’s your stories to know for today:

NYI HOCKEY NOW

The New York Islanders did not bring much to their game on Saturday night as they fell 5-1 to the Washington Capitals in Cal Clutterbuck’s return. [New York Islanders]

While the New York Islanders players were energized following their 4-3 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, head coach Lane Lambert showed his emotions. Here’s how that resonated with his players. [New York Islanders]

Like any new job, Lane Lambert has dealt with growing pains in year one as the head coach of the New York Islanders. But he’s finding his stride at the perfect time: [New York Islanders]

NATIONAL HOCKEY NOW

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins became the fastest team ever to 50 wins as they knocked off the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Saturday night. [Boston Bruins]

Pittsburgh Hockey Now:  Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino is sidelined week-to-week after undergoing a surgical procedure to repair a lacerated kidney, coach Mike Sullivan said today. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Philly Hockey Now: Understandably, Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella feels badly for former general manager Chuck Fletcher. He’s also excited for Daniel Briere, who takes over. [Philadelphia Flyers]

Florida Hockey Now: The Florida Panthers could not stay out of their own way in a gut-wrenching loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Despite a two-goal comeback in the third, Mark Scheifele spoiled it in overtime to give Winnipeg the 5-4 win. [Florida Panthers]

Washington Hockey Now: Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan isn’t hiding his intentions about being very active this offseason. [Washington Capitals]

Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights put together a strong performance, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-0 on Saturday. Jonathan Quick notched his first assist with his new team. [Vegas Golden Knights]

Colorado Hockey Now: Cale Makar sure does love sending Colorado Avalanche fans home happy. The reigning Norris Trophy winner scored his fifth overtime-winning goal on Saturday night, breaking the franchise record for overtime goals by a defenseman. The record was previously held by Tyson Barrie. [Colorado Avalanche]

San Jose Hockey Now: Erik Karlsson broke Brent Burns’ record for most points in a single season by a San Jose Sharks defenseman, but the Sharks fell 5-2 to the Minnesota Wild. [San Jose Sharks]