The New York Islanders will play just their second road game of the season Thursday night against the Washington Capitals. Here's what the players said about how their routines change on the road and the importance of team bonding.

ARLINGTON, VA -- The New York Islanders will play just their second road game of the season Thursday night against the Washington Capitals. 

For the younger Islanders, being on the road is just like being at home, but for the veterans with kids, things do change.

Following Thursday's morning skate, The Hockey News asked a few players about the road experience and the importance of team bonding despite a close-knit group. 

Let's kick things off with Noah Dobson, who enjoys being on the road.  

"It's nice. Our schedule has been really home-heavy to start, which is nice," Dobson told THN. "But at the same time, it was also nice to get back on the road, go to dinner with guys, spend time on the plane and stuff like that. That's all part of building your culture and your bond with each other. 

"It's a familiar group back here, but you still continue to grow, and it's nice to get back on the road."

Dobson doesn't have any kids, so his routine is fairly similar. 

"For myself, as being a young guy with no kids, stuff doesn't change a whole lot," Dobson said. "If you ask one of the older guys, I'm sure it's a lot different. They probably get a little more sleep than they would at home."

So, we went and spoke with Anders Lee, who has two little girls at home. 

"It's a lot different," Lee told THN. "When you're on the road, you only have yourself to worry about it, and it's a pretty scheduled day, but at home, it's the same thing. 

"I mean, we have a very scheduled morning routine. I just get to see my kids a little bit more throughout the day, and honestly, it doesn't change a whole lot. When you're on the road, I'm not chasing kids around, but you get more, I guess a little bit more. You're not having to wake up for the little one wanting to jump into bed, but those are also special moments that won't last forever."

Despite the group being so close, as Dobson noted, Lee likes the extra bonding the road provides.  

"We spend a lot of time together. But it's always nice to get on the road and get a little extra time," Lee said. "You know, the hotel, the extra time at dinner, and just enjoying each other's company. 

"The road always, over time, has a tendency to bring guys together, and you have an opportunity to go have dinner with guys you wouldn't [normally get to] when everyone's at home. They're with their families and whatnot, so it's always good to get that extra time with the boys."

Matt Martin, a father to two daughters, 

"In a case like yesterday, we didn't get to Washington until about 4:30," Martin told THN. "We went for a walk, had dinner at six, then went to watch the World Series. Obviously, we're not with our kids. We're with each other hanging out, watching games., playing some cards, went to dinner, and enjoying each other in those moments. 

"Obviously, we spend a lot of time with your teammates when you're on the road, but we haven't even really had a trip yet this year."

As much as this is a veteran group, there are youngsters, and the road is the best place to get to know them a bit better.

"I think it's important, especially when there's some new guys in the room, and that's really the best opportunity to get out and really get to know one another. But the majority of the team has been together for so long. We certainly love spending time with each other. We don't have a real clicky group. We're a pretty tight group. Dinners can be pretty big. And so we enjoy it."