The New York Islanders rode an early lead off some soft Washington Capitals defense and a strong night from Jaroslav Halak to secure a 3-1 regulation win over their Metro rivals in Brooklyn.
The Islanders offense was flying early, and caught the Capitals defense sleeping the second period to build a 3-0 lead within the first two minutes of the middle frame. Halak helped keep things comfortable through that middle frame, and the Capitals wouldn’t get on the board until halfway through the third.
Aside from a few scary Capitals rushes, it was a pretty good opening period for the Islanders, who broke out well and generated series of shot attempts and pressure in the Capitals end.