Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals at New York Islanders

 The Caps and Islanders face off once again in Brooklyn, in yet another rematch of last years playoff series. Here is the lineup, as there was no morning skate but confirmed by Barry Trotz.

Forwards:

Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Williams 
Burakovsky-Backstrom-Oshie
Chimera-Johansson-Wilson
Laich-Richards-Latta


Defense and Goalies:

Schmidt-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Orpik-Orlov


Holtby
Grubauer


Other Notes:


*Braden Holtby is back in tonight after getting Tuesday night off. Holts mentioned that he feels fresh and is looking forwards to being back in the net tonight.

*Andre Burakovsky has been on fire lately and his confidence is sky high. I am very impressed with his development and can't wait to see if he can continue his roll tonight/

*It is unclear as of now if Jaro Halak or Thomas Greiss will be in net for the Islanders tonight, no matter who it is I would like the Caps to try to put some pressure on them right away.

*Brooks Orpik looked good in his return to the lineup, we will see how he does tonight again some of the speed the Islanders possess in their lineup.

*The Caps have to keep the Islanders 4th line quiet, they play physical. However, you can't get more physical than the Kings so the Caps should be use to it.

*The Caps have to keep John Tavares in check tonight, he is a great play maker and can make a difference. However, another guy the Caps have to keep in check is Kyle Okposo who has 44 points on the season so far and is a physical player.

*I think the best thing the Caps can do tonight is force the Islanders to defend. Puck possession is something that will help because it will lead to good chances.

*The power play has been having a rough go of it of late, hopefully tonight the Caps can get a goal or two on it. The biggest key is shooting the puck when they can. They have to stop forcing OV, and then it will open him up eventually. Also, it will be important to have good zone entries.

*Overall this should be a good one, as these two teams are building a history together. The intensity will only grow the more games they play against one another. I expect the Barclays Center to be rocking and it should have a playoff feel to it. Another big two points on the line.


Gametime 7:00 p.m on CSN