The New York Islanders dropped to the Washington Capitals a shootout that followed two shutouts. Both teams played well in stretches but neither scored. It felt like a playoff preview.
In winning, the Capitals moved into first in the East Division with 64 points. The Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins each have 63 points, but Pittsburgh holds the tiebreaker in regulation wins, nudging them into second and the Isles into third. The Boston Bruins sit right behind everyone at 60 points with two games in hand on the three teams in front of them.