The New York Islanders have been hanging around the Eastern Conference playoff race, but they are still struggling to sustain traction.
Coming into their game at the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night, the Islanders have earned points in six of their last seven games while going 3-1-3.
But through Tuesday’s games, they were still four points out of the second wild-card slot in the East.
“I think, looking at the standings this time of year, we kind of have to put together a streak here,” defenseman Adam Pelech said after a 5-4 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. “It’s the only way we’re going to make up ground.
“Picking up a point, then two and none every other night just isn’t enough right now. So, it’s great to get this win and hopefully it’s the start of something bigger.”
The Islanders beat the Penguins after losing a two-goal lead in the third period. In their previous game, they relinquished a two-goal, third-period lead over the New York Rangers and fell 6-5 in overtime.
“We really have to find a way, because we’re in every single hockey game and we really do have the lead,” said center Mathew Barzal, who has five goals and six assists during his eight-game points streak. “Have to find a way to just get over the hump. It’s nice to get the win tonight, but it shouldn’t have gotten there (overtime). Have to find a way to get better.”
The Islanders could be without checking forward Casey Cizikas against the Blues. He suffered a hand injury against the Penguins, so the team called up Kyle MacLean from Bridgeport of the AHL on Wednesday. Hudson Fasching (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 25, in a corresponding move.
Like the Islanders, the Blues are fighting to stay in the playoff chase. They held the second wild-card slot in the Western Conference after Tuesday’s games, but four teams were within three points of them.
“We all know where we’re at right now, especially with how tight the race is,” forward Brandon Saad said. “It’s something we’re following daily.”
The Blues’ 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday was their third defeat in their last four games. Before that, St. Louis had won seven of eight games.
St. Louis recalled top forward prospect Zachary Bolduc from Springfield of the AHL after placing defenseman Scott Perunovich on injured reserve and moving defenseman Justin Faulk to long-term injured reserve.
Bolduc practiced on the No. 2 line with Brayden Schenn and Jake Neighbours on Wednesday. Perunovich practiced on the third defensive pairing and he could be cleared to play against the Islanders.
The Blues are looking to regain the form they had going into and coming out of their All-Star break.
“When we stick together, we’re a good team,” defenseman Colton Parayko said. “A couple days here to regroup, I think that’s going to be good for us. Just another good test Thursday.
“Knowing how we can play when we play well and when we play together and work together, we’re a good team and we’re hard to beat. Just get back to the basics, and I think we’ll be good.”
–Field Level Media
