The Islanders’ early-season success has been buoyed by beating up on their Metropolitan Division foes, entering Monday 9-1-0 against them.
Missing from those 10 games were any battles against the Capitals or Blue Jackets, the top two teams in the standings. And given that the last three division titles went through Washington, the Islanders’ first clash against the defending Stanley Cup champs figured to provide a measuring stick of exactly where they stand.
Close, but not good enough.
In the battle between Barry Trotz’s past and present, the Capitals pushed past the Islanders 4-1 at Barclays Center.