It’s tough to point to which one of the five goals the Islanders scored during Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Capitals that could best be described a slump-buster.
No matter, in the locker room after the game there was finally a festive atmosphere as the team had started to put to rest the worst offensive start in the 40-year franchise history.
“It was just great to get one in,” said Matt Martin, who scored his second goal of the season in the second period to put the Isles up 3-2 and keep the momentum rolling as they dug themselves out of an early 2-0 hole. “The atmosphere in the building at that point was just awesome, and to score the one that gave us a lead was huge.”
After Martin scored, putting in a puck that snuck behind the shaky Tomas Vokoun, he raced to his feet and lifted his arms in a celebration that was as much for that moment as it was an exclamation of the killing of the frustration built from six winless games in a row.
“It feels great,” John Tavares said after his eighth goal of the season, an empty-netter at the end of the game that sealed the win. “But at this point we have to enjoy this, and move on. We have to get ready for a big road game against the Stanley Cup champions.”
That game is tonight, when the Islanders continue a tough opening segment of their schedule by facing Boston, followed by two games out West against Colorado and Vancouver. But at least with their new lines now a lot more in sync than their old ones, they are carrying a modicum of confidence.
“I’m not so much relieved,” coach Jack Capuano said on Saturday, “but I more feel good for the guys. They were getting frustrated.”