The Islanders had a 3-1 lead, but didn't quite deserve it and ultimately paid for their underwhelming play.
Though they outshot the Caps in the first period, and at one point in the second period had a 3-1 lead, the Capitals were the better team throughout and their good fortune -- two comeback goals came while Islanders players were stuck with broken sticks -- were advantages well utilized.
The Isles outshot Washington 7-5 in the first period, but that included a bushel of blocked shots that please coaches and announcers but are not a recipe for long-term success, particularly when beginning in the first period.