Alex Ovechkin scores twice, Capitals beat Islanders 6-2

“Maybe one of the bad things about not being well-educated about players in the East is you don’t exactly know who fights, who’s heavy, and who’s not”, Oshie told reporters after the Capitals’ 2-1 win, via The Washington Post.

Both teams made a significant move last summer in an attempt to help them next spring.

Neither Ryan Spooner or David Krejci scored in the shootout for Boston, while T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov each capitalized on their shootout opportunities to lead Washington to the win. The Penguins picked up winger Phil Kessel from Toronto in a six-player trade.

The Washington Capitals head into the National Hockey League season in winning form after a 6-2 thrashing of the New York Islanders.

Eriksson scored his goal on a nice play out front, putting the puck past Washington goalie Philipp Grubauer off a Patrice Bergeron pass. It was the only goal of the game for Boston, which put 29 shots on goal. Crosby scored 28 goals last season, his lowest total in a relatively healthy season, but Kessel’s presence should help him score and set up teammates more.

HENRIK LUNDQVIST: He missed 24 games last season with a strained blood vessel in his neck before bouncing back to play in the postseason.

TOMAS TATAR: Looking for a breakout candidate?

John Carlson and Evgeny Kuznetsov both had a goal and three assists.

Babcock coached the Red Wings for 10 seasons before being hired by the Maple Leafs on May 20. The Capitals will start the season at home Saturday night against New Jersey.

Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid skates during a break in play…