WASHINGTON — Lars Eller scored two goals, including the winner late in the third period, and added an assist to help the Capitals beat the Islanders 4-3 on Thursday night.
Washington was largely outplayed and outshot, but the Danish center was arguably the best player on the ice, drawing two penalties and committing one as part of an eventful outing.
“Sometimes you have some games where most things are just going right for you,” Eller said. “I think we even could’ve had a couple more.”
The Islanders could have scored more goals, too, were it not for Vezina Trophy finalist Braden Holtby, who made 15 of his 35 saves in the third period. The Islanders outshot Washington 38-19 and 16-2 in the third period.
Holtby said the Capitals should feel “lucky” to win a game they would lose more often than not if repeated. The Islanders felt as if they deserved better.
“Should’ve had it,” Isles coach Doug Weight said. “It would be nice to have it. It felt like we earned it. We battled. We gave up two shots in the third. It’s disappointing.”
Islanders captain John Tavares scored his 12th goal of the season, one behind Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov for the NHL lead, and Anders Lee had two goals. The Islanders’ power play went 2-for-4 and has scored on seven of its past 14 opportunities after starting the season 2-for-33.
“You go through swings like this throughout the course of the year,” Islanders winger Josh Bailey said. “Early on, things weren’t going that well and we were able to tweak some things. And when you get hot you just want to ride it as long as you can.”