Niklas Backstrom checks Calvin de Haan into the boards during the Islanders' 4-2 loss to the Capitals on Tuesday night at Barclays Center.
There’s no such thing as a must-win game in December, with so many opportunities remaining. But there are lost opportunities, and this clearly was one.
The Islanders have dug themselves a deep hole, raising the importance whenever they take the ice, particularly when facing a team they’re looking up at in the standings.
Which is why Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Capitals in front of 12,730 at Barclays Center was so damaging.