New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) skates with the puck past Washington Capitals defenseman Justin Schultz (2) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in Washington. Credit: AP/Nick Wass
It could get late early for the Islanders.
They split their first six contests in a shortened, 56-game season heading into Thursday night’s conclusion of a two-game series against the Capitals at Washington. Already, there are concerns about falling too far behind in the East Division standings and, more important, an urgency to redsicover the consistent, hard-working nature that defined much of their first two seasons under coach Barry Trotz.