Capitals Flip the Script in 31 Seconds, Ride Momentum to Crucial Win Over Islanders
With playoff positioning on the line, the Washington Capitals knew Monday night wasn’t just another game-it was a chance to close the gap on the New York Islanders and make a statement. And they did just that, flipping the momentum in a flash and never looking back in a 4-1 win that might just become a turning point in their season.
A Rough Start, Then a 31-Second Game-Changer
The game didn’t exactly open the way Washington would’ve drawn it up. The Islanders came out firing, dominating the early shot count and capitalizing on a defensive miscue by Tom Wilson to take a 1-0 lead. It was a sluggish start, and for a moment, it looked like the Caps might be in for a long night.
But then came the second period-and a burst of energy that changed everything.
Martin Fehervary, back in the lineup just two days after welcoming his newborn daughter, Anna, made his presence felt in a big way. He finished off a smooth give-and-go with Wilson to tie the game, injecting life into the Capital One Arena crowd and, more importantly, into his own bench.
Before the Islanders could even catch their breath, Anthony Beauvillier circled behind the net and tucked in a wraparound that beat David Rittich. Just like that, in a span of 31 seconds, the Capitals had flipped a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead-and they weren’t done.
From there, Washington locked in defensively, playing a disciplined, structured game that kept the Islanders from regaining any traction. It was a textbook example of how to respond to adversity mid-game-and how to seize momentum when it’s up for grabs.
Dowd Delivers on a Milestone Night
Nic Dowd couldn’t have written a better script for his 500th game in a Capitals sweater. The veteran center was everywhere-winning faceoffs, killing penalties, and making plays when it mattered most.
He picked up the primary assist on Fehervary’s equalizer, setting the wheels in motion for Washington’s comeback. Then, in the third period, his sharp backdoor pass intended for Alex Ovechkin deflected off Tony DeAngelo and into the net, giving the Caps a 3-1 cushion and some much-needed breathing room.
Dowd’s performance was a reminder of just how valuable he is to this team-not always flashy, but consistently impactful.
Stevenson Stands Tall, Carlson Seals It
In just his second straight start, Clay Stevenson looked every bit the part of a confident, composed netminder. After giving up the early goal, he settled in and slammed the door shut, stopping 29 of 30 shots and frustrating a New York team that was pushing hard to claw back into the game.
The Islanders emptied their net with over four minutes to play, throwing everything they had at Stevenson and the Caps’ defense. But Washington held firm, and with under a minute left, John Carlson put the final nail in the coffin with an empty-netter to seal the deal.
What It Means
This win marked the Capitals’ third straight and might be one of their most complete efforts of the season. They weathered early pressure, responded with urgency, and executed the kind of shutdown hockey that wins games in March and April.
With the standings tightening and every point mattering more by the day, Washington is showing signs of a team that’s finding its identity-and its confidence-at the right time.