Uniondale, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Jaroslav Halak set an Islanders season
record in style, turning aside 26-of-27 shots in New York’s 2-1 win over the
Calgary Flames.
Halak was denied a shutout when Josh Jooris scored with 20.9 seconds left to
play, but still earned his 33rd victory of the campaign to set a new season-
best for an Islanders goaltender.
Jooris’ goal came just moments after New York’s Cal Clutterbuck put in an
empty-net score that turned out to be the game-winner.
Halak also stopped Michael Ferland on a penalty shot in the first period,
while Ryan Strome delivered a power-play goal to help the Islanders regain
sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Calgary, fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and playing
without captain Mark Giordano due to an upper-body injury, dropped its fourth
game in its last five despite Karri Ramo stopping 37-of-38 chances in a strong
effort between the pipes.
The Islanders held a 1-0 lead most of the way after converting their first
power-play chance of the night. Ramo was able to get a piece of a John Tavares
shot, but the Flames could not clear the puck and Strome knocked in the
rebound with 8:21 left in the opening period.
The goal ended Calgary’s club-record 13-game streak of not allowing a power-
play score, with the Flames having killed off 25 straight penalties during the
stretch.
Just over two minutes later, Ferland was pulled down from behind by Johnny
Boychuk on a breakaway to be awarded the penalty shot. However, Halak cut off
the rookie and stopped the attempt with his chest for a crucial save.
Ramo was still able to keep his team within striking distance with a 14-save
first period, and Calgary killed off an early penalty in the second to stay
within one goal entering the final frame.
Halak stoned Jiri Hudler in close on a Calgary 5-on-4 less than a minute into
the third period to maintain New York’s lead, which Clutterbuck appeared
to have extended when he jammed home a loose puck with 4:25 elapsed in the
stanza. The goal was waved off, however, as Brock Nelson was ruled to have
made contact with Ramo during the scrum.
Clutterbuck was not denied on a follow-up try with Ramo pulled for an extra
attacker, though, putting New York up 2-0 with just 41.3 seconds remaining.
Jooris tipped in a blast from Joe Colborne on the ensuing shift, but the goal
was too little and too late.
Game Notes
Halak had shared the Islanders’ single-season wins record with Billy Smith
(1981-82), Chris Osgood (2001-02) and Rick DiPietro (2006-07) … The Flames
had not surrendered a power-play goal since Jan. 27 against Buffalo … New
York improved to 23-5-2 this season in games decided by a single goal …
Tavares’ assist on Strome’s goal was his 13th point in his last eight games (5
goals, 8 assists).
