WASHINGTON — Ilya Sorokin allowed three goals on the first nine shots he faced behind a sloppy defense, and the New York Islanders' playoff hopes took a significant hit with a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday night.
The Islanders needed only to win out against opponents out of contention to return to then postseason after a one-year absence. After an uninspired effort that lacked the intensity and urgency the situation warranted, they'll need help to secure one of the two wild cards in the Eastern Conference with just one game left to play.