Rapid Reaction: Islanders Snap 5-Game Skid, Defeat Caps 4-1

On Tuesday night, the New York Islanders snapped their five-game skid as they defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1. The Islanders are now 36-34-10.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Washington Capitals took a 1-0 lead at 10:24 of the first period as Connor Sheary deflected a Marcus Johansson one-timer from the slot for his 19th of the season. Johansson and Nick Jensen with the assists.

The New York Islanders tied the contest at one as Ryan Puck blasted his fifth goal of the season past Ilya Samsonov at 16:18 of the first period. Kieffer Bellows and Kyle Palmieri were credited with the assists.

Noah Dobson gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead at 2:56 to go in the third period. His power-play goal beat Samsonov low glove side for his 13th of the season. Josh Bailey and Mathew Barzal were credited with the assist.

Casey Cizikas gave the Islanders a 3-1 lead at 8:42 of the third period as he somehow was able to beat Samsonov from his bum for his 10th of the season. The goal was unassisted.

The New York Islanders took a 4-1 lead as Anders Lee rifled his 27th of the season past Samsonov’s glove for his 27th goal of the season at 15:17 of the third period. The goal was unassisted.

Pulock & Bellows Extend Point Streak

One play, the New York Islanders saw defenseman Ryan Pulock and Kieffer Bellows extend their point streaks to three games.

With under four minutes to play in the first period, Pulock scored on the power play as he beat Capitals netminder Ilya Samsonov blocker side through a screen.

Blue line blast from Pulock for the tie pic.twitter.com/VB9fgV6KR6

— Isles on MSG+2 Tonight (@IslesMSGN) April 26, 2022

With the goal, Pulock now has two straight games with a goal both coming on the power play, with an assist back on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Kieffer Bellows had probably his easiest assist at the NHL level, as he dished the puck off to Pulock at the point. That assist gave him points in three straight with two assists and a goal.

Cizikas Scores Ridiculous Goals

The New York Islanders entered the third period tied with the Washington Capitals but came away with a 3-1 win. The insurance marker came off the stick of Casey Cizikas, who scored a beauty of a goal at 8:42 of the third period while shorthanded.

Due to a strong forecheck, Cizikas pressured Washington Capitals netminder Ilya Samsonov behind his own net, which forced a turnover. Cizikas stayed on the puck and from his bum dished the puck on the backend towards the goal, which somehow got passed Samsonov.

FROM THE GROUND TO THE BACK OF THE NET. pic.twitter.com/eRTCZOFKbb

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 27, 2022

It was a gorgeous goal and a key goal by Casey Cizikas, who got rewarded for a strong play.

Missing Three Skaters

For the fourth straight game, the New York Islanders were without forward Anthony Beauvillier due to an upper-body injury. But added to the unable-to-play list was forward Brock Nelson and defenseman Zdeno Chara, who both missed the contest due to non-COVID illnesses.

Nelson & Chara Miss Game Thursday, Non-COVID Illness

There was no update on their status following the game.

NOTES:

After missing three straight games, forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau was activated off the NHL’s COVID-19 list. He was back in the lineup. Forward Otto Koivula was sent back to Bridgeport (AHL).

Forward Anthony Beauvillier (upper-body, day-to-day) missed his fourth straight contest.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin did not play after suffering an injury on Sunday.

WHAT’S NEXT: The New York Islanders host the Washington Capitals Thursday at 7 PM ET.