New York Islanders

Islanders Game 35 Preview vs. Washington Capitals: Lines & How To Watch

Published

4 months ago

December 29, 2023

The New York Islanders hope to redeem themselves from a brutal loss in their last game when they face the Washington Capitals tonight at UBS Arena. Here’s what you need to know before puck drop.

Varlamov Out:

Goalie Semyon Varlamov will not dress tonight for the Islanders as he is day-to-day.

Ken Appleby has been called up from AHL Bridgeport and will serve as the backup behind Ilya Sorokin tonight.

Projected Lineup:

Lee-Horvat-Barzal

Engvall-Nelson-Palmieri

Holmstrom-Pageau-Martin

Fasching-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

Romanov-Dobson

Bolduc-Bortuzzo

Reilly-Aho

Sorokin

Appleby

Last Time Out:

The Islanders were steamrolled by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday after a disastrous second period led to a 7-0 loss.

In response to the beating they took, the Islanders let out their frustrations during an intense and physical practice yesterday.

The Opponent:

The Washington Capitals are 5-2-3 in their last ten games, including a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday and a 3-2 overtime win over the Islanders on Dec. 21.

Dylan Strome scored the winning goal in that game. He’s Washington’s leading goal scorer with 13 goals and shares the team lead in points with Alex Ovechkin.

Capitals head coach Spencer Carberry confirmed that Charlie Lindgren will start in goal tonight. In 13 starts, Lindgren has a record of 7-3-3 with a .928 save percentage and a 2.29 GAA.

Carberry also confirmed that neither Max Pacioretty nor Ethan Bear will make their debuts for the team tonight but says both are close. Pacioretty signed with Washington as a free agent in the offseason and is still rehabbing from an Achilles tear. Bear officially signed with the Capitals yesterday. He’s working his way back from an injury he suffered while playing for Team Canada during the World Championships over the summer.

Tonight is the final matchup between the Islanders and Capitals this year. Washington has won two of the previous three. They sit two points behind the Islanders in the Metro Division standings.

How To Watch:

Puck drop between the Islanders and Capitals from UBS Arena is scheduled for just past 7:30 p.m. EST. The game is available to watch on MSGN and streamed on MSG Plus or ESPN Plus for out-of-market viewers. 88.7 FM WRHU will produce the radio feed of the game, which can also be heard on 103.9 FM WRCN.