WASHINGTON - This is "whatever it takes" time. So if that means John Tavares needs to be the third man in the slot in his own end, blocking a shot as he did in the first period of Game 2 Friday night, so be it.
Shot blocks are always a part of the Islanders' defensive-zone structure. That's proved by their 1,323 during the regular season, fifth-most in the league and the most by the Isles since they led the NHL with 1,364 in 2011-12. But in the postseason -- especially heading into Game 3 with the series tied after the Capitals' 4-3 victory in Game 2 Friday night -- the Islanders are prepared to do anything to keep the pucks off Jaroslav Halak.