© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The New York Islanders and Washington Capitals entered Sunday's matinee at UBS Arena with the game slated as the co-main event, while the Alex Ovechkin chase to the top of the NHL's all-time goal scorer took center stage.
The Islanders however came out motivated and had some early jump.
Sure enough, the Isles kicked off the scoring 7:06 into the game, as Bo Horvat scored his 26th goal of the season. Simon Holmstrom and Anders Anders Lee picked up assists.
Bo Horvat kicks things off for #Islespic.twitter.com/9glgT12ApV
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) April 6, 2025
Then only 1:54 later Marc Gatcomb scored his seventh goal of the season, giving the Islanders a 2-0 lead. Kyle MacLean and Alex Romanov picked up assists.
#isles are buzzing. 2-0. Marc Gatcomb🚨 pic.twitter.com/P3snKCnLqM
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) April 6, 2025
Although shots ended 8-5 for the Capitals in the first period, the Islanders held the lead 2-0.
Pierre Engvall was called for tripping in the offensive zone seven minutes into the second, giving the Capitals a power play -- and Ovechkin his first chance to score with the man advantage.
Then it happened!!!
Alex Ovechkin 895 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ElVGtX7iNU
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) April 6, 2025
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
A long delay with a ceremony including Wayne Gretzky, Commissioner Gary Bettman and Caps owner, Ted Leonosis occurred at center ice before the game resumed.
Then, 10:26 into the second, Gatcomb scored his second goal of the day, burying a perfect Matt Martin pass to give the Islanders a 3-1 lead.
Matt Martin in Gretzky’s office feeds Gatcomb for an #Isles 3-1 lead. pic.twitter.com/6Ci1JH1dUz
— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) April 6, 2025
The Capitals led 18-13 in shots entering the third period.
4:20 into the third period, J. G. Pageau scored his 13th of the season from Max Tsyplakov and Adam Pelech giving the Islanders a 4-1 lead. The goal was reviewed but confirmed.
JG Pageau gives the Isles some more breathing room 🚨 pic.twitter.com/x6Bqt9Enh0
— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) April 6, 2025
The Islanders played well down the stretch, as ...
