Islanders News: California swingin’

The time for payback is near...The New York Islanders ended a bright week with a disappointing thud, losing 5-1 on home ice to the Washington Capitals, ostensible rivals for wild card slots in the East.

Standings-wise, it was a costly weekend for the Isles, as two Penguins victories combined with the regulation loss to the Caps helped Pittsburgh leap them to the first wild card spot by two points, and with two games in hand.

Now the Isles head West for a California trip that includes a SoCal back-to-back Tuesday and Wednesday nights. In theory this trip sets up nicely: The “tough” game is first, in Los Angeles, with the doormat opponent awaiting in Anaheim the next night. Then they head to…