The New York Islanders have recalled top prospect Calum Ritchie, who will make his Islanders' debut Friday against the Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON — Mat Barzal explained his tardiness that led to a healthy scratch on Thursday night as an “alarm clock issue” on Friday before returning to the Islanders’ lineup against the Capitals.

The Islanders were without star center Mathew Barzal, announced by coach Patrick Roy earlier in the day as a healthy scratch as discipline for being late to the rink.

Isles Rewards is currently available exclusively for Islanders Season Ticket Members, with plans to expand access to the broader fanbase

The Capitals will not see Dylan Strome back in the lineup less than a week after suffering what appeared to be a scary-looking lower-body injury.

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders look to break a three-game slide with a victory over the Washington Capitals. Washington has a 6-4 record overall and a 3-0-0 record in Metropolitan Division play. The Capitals have allowed 22 goals while scoring 27 for a +5 scoring differential.

The results are in… Islanders fans voted to pick a name for the Puppy with a Purpose program, in partnership with America's VetDogs

The NHL has three games on Friday spread evenly throughout the night. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Colorado Avalanche in an unusual 4 p.m. et start, then t

Rebuilding Islanders defense faces Ovechkin's Capitals. Expect a gritty battle where every goal matters, potentially deciding a parlay's fate.