For Barry Trotz, facing the Capitals for the first time since leading that franchise to its first Stanley Cup in June represents closure. For the Islanders, facing the Metropolitan Division leaders represents a good test of how far they’ve progressed under their new coach.
The Islanders bring a two-game winning streak into Monday night’s game at Barclays Center against the Capitals, who have won five straight.
“It is closure and a really good chapter in my life and the relationships,” Trotz said. “What we went through the last four years was pretty incredible in terms of the wins and losses, some of the hard times, some of the good times.