NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson each had a goal and an assist and the Patrick Roy-led New York Islanders clinched one of the two remaining playoff berths in the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Kyle MacLean also scored as the Islanders secured third place in the Metropolitan Division and earned their fifth postseason berth in the six seasons. Semyon Varamov made 23 saves for his fifth straight win and helped New York extend its point streak to eight games (7-0-1).
The run also was evidence general manager Lou Lamoriello made the right move when he fired Lane Lambert on Jan. 20 with New York’s season slipping away after losing four straight and posting a 2-6-2 stretch during which they played poorly.
Roy came aboard and found ways to press the right buttons, leading the team to a 19-12-5 record, with their best hockey coming late with everything on the line. Lambert, who led the Islanders to the playoffs in his first season in 2022-23, was 19-15-11 when he was sacked.
'Flying Apsaras' takes flight in Beijing, set for nationwide tour
Russia does not seek military conflict with NATO: Deputy FM
Kesha changes Diddy lyrics in her hit song TiK ToK during Coachella set with Renee Rapp
Xi calls for solid efforts to further energize China's central region
1 dead, 7 missing after 2 Japan MSDF helicopters crash near Izu Islands
Chinese railways gear up for travel rush during Qingming festival
Shooting leaves 3 dead, including shooter, in US Las Vegas
Shooting leaves 3 dead, including shooter, in US Las Vegas
8th Aswan int'l women film festival opens in Egypt
St. Petersburg tightens security measures after Moscow terrorist attack
Pakistani FM Ishaq Dar designated deputy PM
AU officials laud China's support to promote health in Africa