UNIONDALE, N.Y. — There were 40 seconds remaining on the power play when the Washington Capitals began the third period on Sunday, which should have been an opportunity to pick up a goal, tie the score and make the New York Islanders sweat.
Instead, New York had other plans. Although Nicklas Backstrom won the opening draw, the Capitals immediately gave the puck away in the neutral zone, leading to a clear that cost them the first 20 seconds. Then, after bringing it up through center ice, Backstrom had the puck poked away by Islanders center Casey Cizikas, costing Washington another 13 seconds.