On Long Island, the Washington Capitals had what turned out to be a long night.
The Caps held a 2-0 lead after the first period, but the New York Islanders dominated play for the next two in a 5-3 victory.
Joel Ward and Alex Ovechkin gave the Caps an early 2-0 lead, but Frans Neilsen and Brian Rolston's goals in the second period tied the game at 2-2 entering the third. In the final frame, the Islanders took a 3-2 lead at 6:28 when Matt Martin put a rebound past Tomas Vokoun (30 saves) in the slot. Brooks Laich tied the game at 3-3 on the power play less than three minutes later, but P.A. Parenteau scored the game-winning goal with less than two minutes left to seal the victory. John Tavares added an empty-net goal for insurance.
The Caps lost their first game to the Islanders in regulation since October 2007, which was before head coach Bruce Boudreau assumed that title. The Caps will return to practice Monday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and will play Tuesday against the Dallas Stars at Verizon Center.