NHL: Washington 2, New York Islanders 1

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UNIONDALE, N.Y., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Rookie Braden Holtby allowed only a second-period goal Thursday and made 24 saves, lifting the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders.

Holtby was brought up from Washington's American Hockey League franchise in Hershey, Pa., Wednesday and is expected to receive playing time while Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov recover from injuries. His NHL career prior to Thursday had consisted of five appearances early this season before he was sent back to the AHL.

Jason Chimera scored for the Capitals 3:41 into the game and Nicklas Backstrom's 12th goal of the season made it 2-0 early in the second period.

Michael Grabner produced a goal for the Islanders 5:15 into the second but that was all they could manage against Holtby. It was Holtby's third NHL victory.

Washington, which began the evening a point behind Tampa Bay for the lead in the Southeast Division, has earned at least a point in 12 of its last 14 games (8-2-4).

Rick DiPietro suffered the loss, allowing two goals on 24 shots.

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