In all reality, the New York Islanders should probably be heading into Game 5 of their first-round 2015 NHL playoffs series against the Washington Capitals, set for a 7 p.m. puck drop at the Verizon Center in Washington, up three games to one.
Were it not for a couple of abysmal attempts at holding a lead in Game 2, the Isles would be comfortably in the lead and probably even have one eye on their second-round opponent.
As it is, the Islanders and Capitals are tied at two games apiece, and the remainder of this already rambunctious, physical series should prove even more exhilarating.
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The Capitals, who will be without the services of Eric Fehr, according to NHL.com's Katie Brown, have been buoyed by a 10-for-10 penalty kill thus far in the best-of-7 series. The Islanders seemed ready to take control of Game 4 and the series during the second period, but a Jay Beagle shot block as part of a greater penalty kill effort helped turn the tide in Washington's favor.
"I think the biggest thing is preparation," Beagle said, per Corey Masisk of NHL.com. "Last game it was pretty tough because we had some back-to-back kills and teams can feed off momentum from that. We did a great job of shutting them down."
The penalty kill success Washington has achieved thus far in the series is a bit of a surprise considering they were wholly mediocre in that area during the regular season and they're giving up 119.1 shot attempts per 60 minutes on the penalty kill thus far in the playoffs, but beggars can't be choosers and the Capitals are likely more than happy to be able to take a key element of the Islanders attack out of the series altogether.
"The guys have been really committed to it," Washington forward Troy Brouwer said. "You look at all the guys like [Beagle] blocking shots, [Nicklas Backstrom] blocking shots without a stick. Our D-men have done a great job fronting guys when pucks do get through. We still have some work to do. I feel our clears could be a little better. All in all, guys are doing what it takes to try and limit their opportunities on the [power play]."
The Islanders, on the other hand, are set for some reinforcements, as it was announced that forward Mikhail Grabovski has been activated from injured reserve and will make his 2015 NHL playoff debut in Game 5.
"I'm pretty excited, 100 percent," Grabovski said, according to Ben Raby of NHL.com. "It's been a long time without playing so I have to figure out what I do best on the ice and figure it out as soon as possible. But I'm excited to just play. ... The [Stanley Cup] Playoffs for sure are more important than regular games so I'm a little bit nervous. But I think everything will be well if I start working hard."
Islanders coach Jack Capuano said the team had taken a patient, deliberate approach to Grabovski's return despite the fact that the forward has been itching to get back on the ice and rejoin his teammates.
"He was itching to get back in there," Capuano said. "But at the time we have decisions to make as a staff and as an organization. Right now he's ready, he wants to get in there and he's going to get that opportunity.
"He brings some speed and deception to his game. He can back off the opposition with his speed. ... That's what I think he can bring to the table for us."
Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky will not play in Game 5, however, after being injured early in the second period of Game 4. Rookies Griffin Reinhart or Ryan Pulock are expected to take his place.
