Capitals right wing Martin Erat, who sustained an upper body injury in Game 4, didn't skate on Saturday and is doubtful for the remainder of the series.
Nolan had noticed that Nielsen had scored on several breakaways during the team's pre-game skate, and a victory over the Maple Leafs would help the Islanders stay in the thick of a close playoff race.
Getzlaf could barely get out of bed with a case of the flu, lasting just five minutes at the morning skate and taking only one faceoff during the game.