Oates Scores 300th

Islanders roster

"It feels good," Oates said. "300 is a cool number, especially since I'm a passer. And it was kind of cool that I was passing when it goes in."

More known for his play-making than scoring, Oates has 875 career assists to go along with his 300 goals.

"He's there taking every defensive faceoff, and he's still very creative offensively," Washington coach Ron Wilson said. "He's played for 17 years, and I don't think he worries when he comes close to a personal milestone."

The surging Capitals are 21-5-5 since the Christmas break and are within two points of Florida for first place in the Southeast Division.

"When something didn't go right, we'd go back to the way we used to do things," Wilson said of his team's recent play.

Oates scored his 12th of the season off a 2-on-2 rush with Steve Konowalchuk as his centering pass from the right of the crease deflected off Brimanis' skate and past Luongo.

"The way I interpreted the play was that (Oates) was going to pass," Brimanis said. "It's simple geometry, it hit my skate and went in. I was just concerned about tying my man up in front, and I think I did that. I have to tie up my skates next."