Game 5 Recap: Caps 5 Islanders 1 (WSH leads 3-2)

 The Caps played a 60 minute game and dominated the New York Islanders. Scoring five in a row after the Islanders got on the board first with a goal by Josh Bailey. The win means the Caps will have a chance to wrap up the first round series, and shut down Nassau Coliseum on Saturday in Game 6. Here are the highlight's.

Caps/Isles Game 5:

My Thoughts:

*Evgeny Kuznetsov was outstanding with two goals and an assist and overall played just great. This was the Kuzzy we saw in the World Junior's that can make a difference to your team with his skill. However I was impressed with his board play as well.

*Alex Ocvechkin I thought played his tail off, he didn't score but he still impacted the game by wearing down Johnny Boychuk.

*Karl Alzner had another goal and a multi-point night. Alzner is coming into his own as he has played great with Matt Niskanen and is now chipping in with big goals in the postseason.

*Joel Ward is playing great as well, it seems that every shift he is establishing pressure on the opposing team.

*Brooks Laich chipped in by scoring as well, good to see Laich score has he has been having a tough time finding space against the Islanders defense.

*Jay Beagle played well by getting a couple of assists and playing great on the forecheck. He is starting to look like the way he did before he got banged up late in the regular season.

*Tom Wilson did a great job last night, Islander players were try to run him, fight him, and cheap shot him. Wilson however, would only take a penalty after fighting Anders Lee. Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin were escorted off the rink late as they continued their antics. The Caps and Wilson were going about their business.

*The Caps forecheck was great and it lead to a lot of sustained pressure and chances on Jaro Halak. The Caps had 41 shots and were firing from everywhere.

*Overall the Caps for the first time are ahead in the series, they defended their building in a big way in Game 5. Now they will have to refocus has there will be a big game on Saturday as they will look to advance to the 2nd round for the first time since the 2012 playoffs. It will be a tough task to win on Long Island again but it looks like the Caps confidence and hard work has returned.

*Quick note the Hershey Bears open their best of five series against the Worcester Sharks tonight in Worcester because of travel. I believe they start at 7 p.m and you can watch on ahllive.com.


What's Next: Game 6 Saturday April 25th at. New York Islanders 3:00 p.m on NBC