Jaroslav Halak picked up his 11th career playoff victory, his first in an Islanders’ uniform, in Game One.
Halak turned aside 24 of the Capitals’ 25 shots en route to a 4-1 win. The lone Washington goal came in the final minute of the first period when Halak lost the puck behind his net, leading to a Marcus Johansson tally.
“Any time they were able to get some quality chances, he was there to shut the door,” Josh Bailey said of Halak.
Brian Erni
Halak was very good, particuarly in the third period. After dominating play and outshooting the Caps 6-0 to open the final stanza, a pane of glass needed to be replaced for the second time in the game.