Off Topic » itan Division, only seven points ahead of the Islanders

WASHINGTON -- The left half of the net was wide open for Troy Brouwer. When he missed badly, putting his shot wide, he was so exasperated that he slumped his shoulders and looked to the rafters as play continued. It was that kind of game for both the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders, who seemingly tried to top each other in trying to find the best way to waste a scoring chance. Players whiffed on open one-timers, several shots hit the goal frame, and all 11 power plays had fruitless outcomes. Andrew MacDonald was the only player to find the target, scoring early in the third period Tuesday night as the last-place Islanders broke a five-game losing streak with a 1-0 win. "Were a desperate team," New York coach Jack Capuano said. "I thought our guys really worked hard right from the start. ... Weve been playing hard; we havent been getting results." MacDonalds slap shot from the point went past screened goalie Michal Neuvirth and just under the crossbar with 17:44 to play. Evgeni Nabokov, making his third start since returning from a groin injury, stopped 22 shots for his 57th career shutout. The Islanders scored only one goal for the third straight game -- but at least this time it was enough to win. "There was a lot of special teams. It was kind of a weird one," McDonald said. "You dont really want to play with fire too much against these guys and give them too many power plays, but fortunately we were able to draw a couple while they were on the power play and negate them." Neuvirth made 27 saves for the Capitals, who have lost 10 of 13 to tumble toward the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, only seven points ahead of the Islanders. Washington has been shut out four times this season, all at home. "Its not acceptable, the way we played tonight. Thats for sure," Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom said. Washingtons Eric Fehr hit the right post in the first period, not long before teammate Brouwers frustrating misfire. New Yorks Cal Clutterbuck hit the intersection of the crossbar and right post on a short-handed attempt midway through the second, and teammate Kyle Okposo put one off the right post later in the period. The Islanders were granted a rare short-handed penalty shot in the third period, but Michael Grabners attempt was saved by Neuvirth. Most significantly, the Capitals talented power play went 0 for 6. Alex Ovechkin had three shots on goal for the game, with four other attempts blocked. Washington coach Adam Oates said perhaps his team had "a little fatigue" and that veteran players need to stop taking unnecessary penalties. He also noted it wasnt the greatest performance by the Islanders. "I dont think they executed, either," Oates said. "Both power plays were pretty ineffective." NOTES: Capitals D John Carlson played in his 271st consecutive game, tying Calle Johansson for the longest streak by a defenceman in franchise history. ... Washington D Mike Green missed his third consecutive game with a concussion, and LW Aaron Volpatti sat out with an upper-body injury. Keyshawn Johnson Jersey . Pillar is batting .305 with 17 extra-base hits, 19 RBI and five stolen bases in 34 games for Buffalo this season. The right-handed hitter had an International League high, 18-game hitting streak this season and currently owns an IL high 26-game on base streak. Mark Gastineau Jersey .J. Ellis have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract. http://www.authenticnyjetspro.com/Leveon-bell-jets-jersey/. -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh says he isnt going to change what he does on the field. Sam Darnold Womens Jersey . Pillar is batting .305 with 17 extra-base hits, 19 RBI and five stolen bases in 34 games for Buffalo this season. The right-handed hitter had an International League high, 18-game hitting streak this season and currently owns an IL high 26-game on base streak. Joe Klecko Jersey . - Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Jason Babin is now a free agent.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton will undergo surgery Wednesday on his left ankle and will be sidelined for four months, the Carolina Panthers announced. The team said Tuesday the Pro Bowl quarterback has experienced soreness in the ankle since the end of last season and the problem simply wasnt getting better. "The ankle was sore after the San Francisco game and we wanted to see if rest would calm it down, but it is still bothering him and the decision was made to address it," Panthers trainer Ryan Anderson said in a press release. The Panthers lost to the 49ers on Jan. 12 in the NFC divisional playoffs. The surgery will be performed by Panthers team physician Robert Anderson at Carolinas Medical Center. If all goes as expected, Newton could return before training begins at the end of July. Newton led the Panthers to a 12-4 record last season and the NFC South championship. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl. The news is particularly concerning for the Panthers since Newton is expected to be working with almost an entirely new group of wide receivers this season. The Panthers released Steve Smith, the franchises all-time leader in receptions in a salary cap related move last week. Brandon LaFell, the teams other starter last season, signed with New England in free aagency while top reserves Ted Ginn Jr.ddddddddddddand Domenik Hixon signed free agent deals with Arizona and Chicago respectively. Given that Newton wont be back until just before the start of training camp means he wont have much time to develop chemistry with the new receivers the team brings in to play this season. The Panthers havent signed any free agent receivers this off-season, although they did recently visit with Jerricho Cotchery from the New York Jets. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera were unavailable for comment. Newtons father, Cecil Newton, reached by telephone, said he hasnt spoken to his son about the ankle and didnt feel comfortable discussing the injury in the media. He said Cam Newton has been taking classes at Auburn where he is working on his college degree. Newton has started all 48 regular season games since arriving as the No. 1 overall pick out of Auburn in 2011. This past season Newton threw for 3,379 yards with a career-high 24 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. He also led the Panthers on five come-from-behind