The Caps landed in the Empire State looking to get back in the win column after a disappointing season opener earlier this week. Their first stop was Long Island to take on the Islanders, a team they’ve had a lot of success against in recent years but which got the last laugh last time these two tangled. Thankfully tonight the Caps got off to a better start, giving themselves a nice three-goal cushion by the end of the second period and then holding on against the Islanders’ speed to grab the two points.
Plus: Ryan Leonard famously got his first career goal on an empty-netter the same night Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky last year, but he was still awaiting his first with a goalie in the net (in the regular season). He got a little bit of a lucky bounce on the play, but it was still a nice play by the kid and one that he’ll certainly remember. Congrats, Leno!
Minus: Special teams continue to plague the Caps, as their power play again came up empty (although Leonard’s goal came just seconds after a power play expired) while the penalty kill gave up two to an Islanders’ power play that ranked 31st last season.
Star of the Game: Aliaksei Protas had himself a three-point night, which included this beauty of a breakaway that cashed in on a Tony DeAngelo fumble (making it extra delightful):
PROTAS
— Dimitri Filipovic (@dimfilipovic.bsky.social) October 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
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