How to watch Capitals vs. Islanders first round playoff series

Game 5 update: The Islanders won 4-0 to win the series after Semyon Varlamov stopped 23 shots and Anthony Beauvillier scored two goals.

Game 4 update: The Capitals won 3-2 on two goals by Alex Ovechkin.

Game 3 update: The Islanders won 2-1 in overtime on a game-winner by Mathew Barzal. Semyon Varlamov stopped 22 of 23 shots in the win.

Game 2 update: The Islanders won 5-2 on goals by five different players. Alex Ovechkin had two goals for Washington, but Semyon Varlamov stopped the other 23 shots he faced.

Game 1 update: The Islanders won 4-2 to take a 1-0 series lead. Josh Bailey had a goal and an assist and Brock Nelson had two assists in the win.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have arrived! The puck drops for the first round of the playoffs on August 12th, and while it might be four months later than expected, it’s better than nothing!

The NHL wrapped up the qualifying round over the weekend and we have the bracket set for the playoffs. The Washington Capitals claimed the third seed in the EasternConference in round robin play, while the New York Islanders beat the Florida Panthers in the qualifying round to claim the No. 6 seed.

The Capitals won the Metropolitan Division in the shortened regular season and had the third best record entering round robin play. Washington lost its first two round robin games, but beat Boston 2-1 in the finale to claim the second seed. Braden Holtby was solid but not quite great, giving up 2.46 goals per game the first two games, but only one in the finale. The Capitals are hoping to get starting defenseman John Carlson back after he missed round robin play due to an exhibition game injury.

The Islanders were the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference qualifying round. They were two games over .500 when play was suspended in March and facing the 10th seeded Florida Panthers. They won on the back of strong performances from goalie Semyon Varlamov, who gave up 1.77 goals per game with a .932 save percentage. Anthony Beauvillier led the team with five points on three goals and two assists.

Below is a full rundown of the Capitals vs. Islanders series and how to watch it. The NBC games are all available at NBCSports.com/live. The Islanders win the series 4-1.

Capitals vs. Islanders series info

Game 1: Islanders 4, Capitals 2
Game 2: Islanders 5, Capitals 2
Game 3: Islanders 2, Capitals 1
Game 4: Capitals 3, Islanders 2
Game 5: Islanders 4, Capitals 0