The Islanders are now 1-3-1 in home openers at UBS Arena. Saturday night's match marked the start of a three-game homestand and a stretch of five-of-six at UBS Arena, where establishing a home-ice advantage is a must.

Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals (0-1-0) hit the road for the first time on Saturday night when they visit the New York Islanders (0-1-0)

Aliaksei Protas scored twice Saturday night for the Washington Capitals, who never trailed in a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y.

The Capitals earn their first win of the season, storming to a 4-0 lead and holding off the Islanders, 4-2, behind three points from center Aliaksei Protas.

There will be better nights at UBS Arena for the New York Islanders, frankly, because there is no place else to go but up after a stinker of a home opener. Aliaksei Protas scored twice, and the Capitals ran roughshod over the Islanders,

There's no way for the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals to recreate the unique set of circumstances that surrounded their two clashes at UBS Arena in April.

Everything you need to know about the NHL matchup between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals, including how to watch and team news.

Snapshots from the New York Islanders morning skate ahead of their home opener against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 11, 2025. Photos by Sam Johnston/New York Islanders.

NHL season with the Washington Capitals, as fans and analysts watch closely to see how the legendary forward approaches the season opener against the Boston Bruins.