They do have one point in their last six games, the single loser’s point they were awarded for being beaten in overtime by the Rangers on Thanksgiving Eve.

But that point aside, the Islanders do carry a six-game losing streak into tonight’s match in Washington against the Caps, one that matches their longest slide of last season. The team hasn’t lost seven straight since Nov. 26-Dec. 12, 1999.

Bright spots coming out of Wednesday’s 4-3 loss include the work of defenseman Eric Cairns, who played his first game of the year after sustaining a broken thumb in the final pre-season match.

Also, Oleg Kvasha, he of the enormous reach and elite finesse skills, showed flashes of talent while matched most of the night against Mark Messier.