The New York Islanders visit the Washington Capitals with a chance to clinch a playoff spot and take a bit of the pressure off their busy final week of the regular season. They'll do it while missing a few more bodies, with a new face in net whose opposite number is chasing some history.

First, the injury situation. It is complex though not quite devastating:

It's as if it's playoff time already. Intrigue and secrecy abounds. (Except for Gibson. His news is out in time to talk to family.)

Islanders (43-26-9, 4th/Metro) @ Capitals (55-17-6, 1st/Everything)

7 p.m. EDT | MSG+2 (twice the plus!)

[Ma Bell's giant offspring] Center

Coasting: Japers' Rink

The Capitals, who locked up the Metro and President's Trophy unimaginably early, nonetheless still have something to play for: Braden Holtby is gunning to tie the NHL record for most goalie victories in a season. Get him that tonight at home, break it with another win, and then they can net-fix and chill until the playoffs begin.

The Caps have cooled off lately, results-wise, but their underlying numbers are still strong (and much better than recent puck luck). May they be cursed one more night (and one more playoffs, while we're at it).

The Islanders can clinch a playoff spot with a win, which would be helpful as they continue a five-in-seven finish to the season. Sunday's finale with Philadelphia could mean nothing, or it could mean a playoff spot, or it could mean who gets to not face Washington or Pittsburgh in the first round.

(The Isles can also clinch if free-falling Boston loses tonight in regulation.)

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