Islanders Grab a Point in Loss to Wild, LA Kings next

Anthony Gruppuso – USA TODAY Sports

Although the Islanders fell short against the Wild on Tuesday night at the Nassau Coliseum, they were able to take the game to a shootout and gain a valuable point in the standings.

After dropping four straight contests, the Islanders have garnered points from back-to-back games – they beat the Devils on Saturday night.

Jaro Halak was in net for the second straight game and was brilliant stopping 31 of the 32 shots he faced.  He has posted a sparkling 0.50 goals against and has stopped over 98% of shots he has faced in the two games since his return against the Devils on Saturday.

However, he was scored upon in the shootout to keep the Isles from the second point in the contest.

The Isles’ scoring woes continued as for the fourth time in five games, they managed just one goal, although they fired 38 shots at the Wild’s Devan Dubnyk.

Zach Parise was the difference in the game.

The former NJ Devil tied the contest midway through the third period, and his shootout goal was the game-winner as the Wild took the shootout 1-0.

The Islanders maintained their slipping grasp on second place by keeping pace with the Penguins who lost in overtime on Tuesday.

Although the Islanders have played one more game than the Penguins, the game at-hand for Pittsburgh is one they need to win as the Islanders hold the 2 point advantage.

Next is a visit from the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings who come to Long Island on Thursday night.

The Kings struggles this season are well-documented as they battle for the final playoff spot in the NHL’s loaded Western Conference.

The Kings are coming off an impressive win at Madison Square Garden over the Rangers  on Tuesday – the team the Kings beat to win the cup last summer.