This was not the game either the Islanders or Capitals expected to play, with two coaches who preach defense.
But it was great entertainment, especially the wide-open, wacky first period, with four more meetings upcoming between the teams this month.
Mathew Barzal had his third career hat trick, Jordan Eberle added two goals and the Islanders matched the East Division-leading Capitals with 50 points as they set a season high for goals in an 8-4 win on Thursday night at Nassau Coliseum.
The Islanders (23-10-7) opened a season-high, six-game homestand by snapping a two-game losing streak.