Capitals Tie High-Flying Islanders

The Washington Capitals earned at least a point for the second straight game in a 3-3 tie with the New York Islanders on Day 80. Washington moves to 14-19-5 with the tie.

The Capitals got off to a great start in the opening period when Frantisek Lukes scored from Dan Boyle after just 29 seconds. Later in the period, however, the Isles scored a pair of goals just 49 seconds apart to take a 2-1 lead to the intermission. Poulin got the first at 14:48, and Timonen netted the second from Sedin and Bates. The goal was Timonen's first of the season.

New York upped the tempo in the second period and fired 13 shots on the Washington net, but it was the Caps that managed a goal to level the score. Boyle was the scorer from Jonathan Cheechoo and Lukes at 13:45.

Washington fought back in the final period to regain the lead on the power play. Lukes got the goal, his 10th of the season, from Rob Blake and Cheechoo at 13:56. The Capitals looked to be on their way to an unlikely victory, but Hagman ruined the celebrations with a goal from Arkhipov and Sakic at 19:27 to make it 3-3.

Peter Skudra was the surprise starter in goal for the Caps and made 29 saves to improve to 2-3-3. David Aebischer stopped 18 shots for New York.

Washington returns to action on Day 82 against Florida.