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The New York Islanders will have their second chance to eliminate the Washington Capitals tonight, as they face off in Game 5 of their first round series.
The Islanders blew a two-goal lead on Tuesday, which was at least partially the result of defensive lapses. The Islanders gave up chances that they wouldn’t usually give up and when the Capitals get time and space to work with, they're going to convert.
New York had a really strong first period, but struggled after that. The key for tonight will be sustaining that focus for 60 minutes.
As I’ve said, the Islanders’ power play needs to find ways to score. They’ve managed to get some great chances but it’s hard to win playoff games when you go 0-for-5 on the power play in back-to-back games.
Once again, New York’s lineup should stay the same, while Nicklas Backstrom will be a game-time decision for the Capitals. Braden Holtby and Semyon Varlamov should start in net.
The Islanders have another chance to secure their spot in the second round of the playoffs and this time, they can’t let the opportunity slip away. In a poll from yesterday, 57 per cent of readers voted that they believe the Islanders will finish off the Capitals in Game 5 and I’m hopeful that we see it happen. New York needs to get back to their game that we saw in the first three games of the series and wrap this up tonight.
Puck drop is at 8 p.m.
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OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM AUGUST
Game 1 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Notes from Game 1 vs. Panthers Reviewing last week's polls (August 3): Islanders Edition Game 2 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Notes from Game 2 vs. Panthers Game 3 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Notes from Game 3 vs. Panthers Game 4 Preview: Islanders vs. Panthers Islanders advance: Notes from Game 4 vs. Panthers Islanders will face Capitals in first round Reviewing last week's polls (August 10): Islanders Edition Previewing New York's series against the Capitals Notes from Game 1: Islanders vs. Capitals Game 2 Preview: Islanders vs. Capitals Notes from Game 2: Islanders vs. Capitals Game 3 Preview: Islanders vs. Capitals Notes from Game 3: Islanders vs. Capitals Game 4 Preview: Islanders vs. Capitals Notes from Game 4: Islanders vs. Capitals