Gameday: at NY Islanders, Nov. 5

The Islanders always, always, play the Caps tight.

The Washington Capitals are in Uniondale, New York, this evening to take on the Islanders as they attempt to build on their two game winning streak.  The Caps come into tonight's game with a 9-2 record, which gives them 18 standings points coming off their 5-1 spanking of the Hurricanes Friday night.  Those 18 points lead the Southeast Division and place the Caps third in the Eastern Conference, though the Caps hold multiple games in hand on both teams in front of them, Toronto and Pittsburgh.  New York, on the other hand, is on the other end of the spectrum, coming into the game with a 3-5-2 record for eight standings points coming off a 3-0 shutout loss to the Jets Thursday night.  Those eight points place the Isles last in the Atlantic Division and tied for last in the East with Boston.  This is the first of four meetings between these two teams this season.

Islanders coach Jack Capuano will go with Rick DiPietro in goal for the third consecutive contest.  New York's 15 year man is winless on the year with a 0-1-2 record and has compiled a 2.50 GAA and .909 save percentage in his three starts.  Nevertheless, we all know how talented DP is and he has the ability to steal a game.  Up front, the Islanders are without top prospect Nino Niederreiter, who has a groin injury and has missed the whole season up to this point.  Outside of el Nino, however, New York is fully healthy.

Tomas Vokoun is exepcted to get the call from Bruce Boudreau after he yielded Friday night's start to Michal Neuvirth.  Vokoun has struggled recently, allowing three or more goals in his last two starts, but still has awesome numbers on the campaign: a 7-1-0 record, 2.36 GAA, and .920 save percentage to go along with one shutout.  On the injury front, Mike Green is still questionable with his right ankle injury that has caused him to miss the last two weeks, while Jay Beagle is still out with a concussion and will not play.  Mathieu Perreault, who was scratched last night in favor of Cody Eakin, will return to the lineup in place of the latter despite Eakin's first NHL goal on Friday night.  Per usual, DJ King will join Eakin as a healthy scratch.

Puck drops for this one 7:07-ish.