Strong Finish, Two Points

The Caps never seem to make it easy on themselves, especially against the New York Islanders. But a strong third period and overtime salvaged a win after another ugly first 40 minutes. It's good for the team to learn how to win ugly -- especially when the postseason rolls around. But not playing a full 60 minutes isn't exactly a recipe for long-term success.

Mike Green looked a lot stronger as the game progressed, and Brook Laich's OT game-winner was a thing of beauty. It's also not a coincidence that Keith Aucoin's energy helped revive the Caps -- he does that every game and that's the main reason why he should stay with the big club.

Jose Theodore also played solidly in net, something the team needed when they were being shutout over the first 45 minutes or so by a very bad Islanders' squad.