VIDEO: Matt Hendricks' Sick Shootout Goal Against The Islanders

Capitals Vs. Islanders: Matt Hendricks Lifts Washington To 5-4 Shootout Win

The Washington Capitals rallied to tie the New York Islanders in regulation, and Matt Hendricks earned Washington the extra point with a goal in the fourth round of the shootout as the Capitals won 5-4 in Uniondale, N.Y.

The win was Washington's fourth straight and temporarily lifted the Caps into first place in the Southeast Division. Florida later defeated Toronto 5-2 to move back into first place.

Trailing 4-2 after two periods, the Capitals scored two goals in the third period to tie the game. The first goal came from Dmitry Orlov, who slalomed down the slot and flipped the puck past Evgeni Nabokov just 1:51 gone in the third period.

However, the task of tying the game was left to Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals captain saw his first two shots denied by Nabokov, but Ovechkin was able to dink the puck into the air and into the net.

Neither team was able to score in overtime, and the first three rounds of the shootout ended 1-1 before Hendricks provided his heroics.

For more on the Capitals, visit Japers Rink. For more on the New York Islanders, visit Lighthouse Hockey. For the latest news, analysis, and commentary from around the NHL, visit, SB Nation.

Capitals Vs. Islanders: Washington Trails 4-2 After High-Scoring 2nd Period

The Washington Capitals were able to get on the scoreboard, but still trail the New York Islanders 4-2 after 40 minutes of play in Uniondale, N.Y.

John Tavares scored his second goal of the night at 9:05 of the second period, ramming a rebound of Mark Streit's shot past Michal Neuvirth to make the score 3-0 Islanders. But the Capitals got on the board 28 seconds later after Dennis Wideman's slap shot was deflected past Evgeni Nabokov.

Tavares restored New York's three-goal advantage at the 11:44 mark of the second when he took a feed from Kyle Okposo and roofed a wrist shot into the ceiling of the net.

Just before the intermission, Alex Ovechkin scored his 28th goal of the season to make the score 4-2.

For more on the Capitals, visit Japers Rink. For more on the New York Islanders, visit Lighthouse Hockey. For the latest news, analysis, and commentary from around the NHL, visit, SB Nation.

Capitals Vs. Islanders: Deflected Goals Have Islanders In Front 2-0

Two deflected goals by the New York Islanders have given them a 2-0 lead over the Washington Capitals after 20 minutes of play at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.

The first goal of the game came with 8:54 played when a point shot from Matt Moulson deflected off Tavares and ricocheted onto the boards behind Washington's net. With goalie Michal Neuvirth standing straight up and turned around to follow the flight of the puck, the biscuit bounced off the end boards, bounced off Neuvirth's stomach and rolled into the net. The goal was officially credited to Tavares, his 29th of the season.

The Islanders doubled their advantage with just 20.6 seconds remaining, 26 seconds after Jay Beagle was sent to the penalty box for hooking. Travis Hamonic's centering pass deflected off the skates of John Carlson and into the net.

The Capitals entered tonight's game two points ahead of Buffalo in the race for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot and one point behind the Panthers for the Southeast Division lead.

For more on the Capitals, visit Japers Rink. For more on the New York Islanders, visit Lighthouse Hockey. For the latest news, analysis, and commentary from around the NHL, visit, SB Nation.

Capitals Vs. Islanders: Washington Opens Five-Game Road Trip Against New York

The Capitals begin a critical stretch in their push to the playoffs in Long Island against the Islanders. Can they avoid another swoon away from Verizon Center?