Islanders Struggle In 3rd Period Again In Loss To Capitals

Matt Niskanen�s goal 1:36 into the third period snapped a tie and held up in the Islanders� 4-2 loss to the Capitals on Tuesday night, the second straight game the Islanders lost after entering the third period even. Nikolay Kulemin�s deflection tied the game in the second, but Brock Nelson�s giveaway early in the third led to Niskanen�s shot past Jaroslav Halak. The Islanders had a handful of chances to pull even again, but Braden Holtby twice denied Josh Bailey from in close, two of his 24 saves. Niskanen scored again with 1:58 left in the third on a power play to salt it away. Nelson had the opening goal of the game and Brett Connolly and Justin Williams scored for the Caps, who moved 12 points ahead of the Islanders for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. ..... - Newsday