The last time the Islanders were in Anaheim, they were two points back of a playoff spot, hoping to snap a two-game slide. Their 6-3 win over the Ducks proved vital for a few reasons.
The last time the Islanders were in Anaheim, they were two points back of a playoff spot, hoping to snap a two-game slide. Their 6-3 win over the Ducks proved vital for a few reasons.
ANAHEIM, CA -- The New York Islanders are back in Anaheim for the first time since March 15, when they beat the Ducks 6-3 on the second night of a back-to-back.
It was a critical night for the Islanders' push to the playoffs in 2023, entering the game losers of two straight, which included a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings the night before.
Islanders head coach Lane Lambert tried out new acquisition Pierre Engvall alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri in the third period of the loss to L.A. and decided to play them as a threesome against the Ducks.
It was a move that paid dividends, as Palmieri, a former Duck (2010-2015), recorded a goal and three assists, Engvall had a goal and assisted, and Nelson scored two goals for domination of a night.
It was a vital two points, allowing the Islanders to catch the Pittsburgh Penguins in points for the top wild-card spot with 12 games to play.
"It was fun. For me, it's special coming back here," Palmieri said following Saturday's practice. That was a start to a good run in our chase for a playoff spot. It's a similar position to this year, and we just want to keep it going."
Including that win over the Ducks, Palmieri and the Islanders went on a four-game point streak (3-0-1), ultimately going 7-4-2 to sneak in as the top wild-card spot.
When Palmieri and his linemates were on the ice (144 minutes), the Islanders outscored their opponents 15-4, per MoneyPuck.com.
Now, less than a year later, the Islanders face the Ducks, trying to get themselves into a playoff spot yet again.
Winners of their last five games, the Islanders have a chance at waking up Monday morning in the second wild-card spot, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by two points with one game in hand.
A win would also put the Islanders two points behind the top wild-card Tampa Bay Lightning with two games in hand and two points behind the third-place Philadelphia Flyers with two games in hand.