Isles’ ‘ D’ stops Ovechkin, Caps

WASHINGTON — Travis Hamonic didn’t play in Wednesday’s series opener against the Capitals, a scenario that seemed destined to let Alex Ovechkin run roughshod over the Islanders.

Though the league’s top goalscorer did manage to get eight shots, he didn’t score in the Islanders’ 41 win at the Verizon Center.

“He still had good chances,” said Johnny Boychuk, one of several defensemen who took turns trying to bother Ovechkin. “Fortunately for us, he missed them.”

Calvin de Haan was in the lineup in Hamonic’s place, with Hamonic out with a leg injury and coach Jack Capuano saying there’s no timetable for his return, so the test is far fromover.

“You have to be able to stay in front of him,’’ Boychuk said. “But even then, he can score. We made enough plays and [ Jaroslav] Halak was there for us when [ Ovechkin] got through. It’s never easy against him.”

Another defenseman who contributed to keeping Ovechkin off the board was Brian Strait, whose play has been unspectacular at times this season.

“He played hard,” Capuano said. “When you play against elite players, you have to play smart and contain because they’re going to get their opportunities.”

Because of Ovechkin’s inability to get going, Washington coach Barry Trotz quickly began shuffling his lines, splitting Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom at times.

Trotz said he was looking for both matchups and to create a “spark” with his own team.

“I do not think we were skating the way we need to against a team that can skate pretty good,” Trotz said. “We need to be a lot sharper.”

The Capitals had the best power play in the league, but they were unable to capitalize on three opportunities.

Michael Grabner caught the attention of the Capitals when they saw film of him blowing by Pittsburgh’s defense in a game last week, and though the Islanders have insisted they need to be physical to compete with Washington, they also could use the element of the game Grabner brings.

“We all know we have to play hard and compete with them physically,” said Grabner, who skated on the third line. “But it’s a speed game also, and there will be times to take advantage of that.”