It's not who you play, but when you play them

...and in the Isles' case, now might not be the best time to be facing Alex Ovechkin twice in a 10-day period.

The Great 8 is the NHL's first star of the week...

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FIRST STAR – ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Ovechkin led the NHL with five goals and eight points in four games, stretching his season-long scoring streak to five games (6-3—9). He scored in a 2-1 loss to the Penguins March 19, Ovechkin's 14th goal in his last 12 regular-season visits to Pittsburgh. He then totaled five points in back-to-back games at Winnipeg, posting 1-2—3 in a 4-0 victory March 21 and two goals in a 6-1 win March 22. Ovechkin capped the week with one goal and one assist, plus the opening goal in the shootout, in a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers March 24. The 27-year-old Moscow native leads the Capitals with 16 goals in 32 games this season and ranks second on the club with 31 points.>>

 

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick