NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Islanders still are scrapping and fighting for every point possible to preserve their very slim playoff hopes for another game.
Nashville already has its postseason berth, and the Islanders took advantage of the Predators being just a bit more relaxed.
Thomas Hickey scored 1:25 into overtime, and the Islanders won 2-1 Tuesday night to stay in the race for the Eastern Conference’s second wild card.
“There was no way we could afford to give away any points,” Hickey said. “There was no scoreboard watching and we’ll reevaluate, but if we got two then I know we’re alive.”
Brock Nelson also scored for the Islanders, and goalie Jaroslav Halak made 22 saves as they won their third straight.
“A big goal by Hickey there to keep this thing rolling,” Nelson said.
Islanders captain John Tavares missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury, but they outshot Nashville 32-23 to ruin the Predators’ regular-season home finale. Mike Fisher scored a goal for Nashville.
The Islanders moved within five points of Toronto for the second wild card after both Boston and Ottawa won earlier Tuesday night to move up the Atlantic Division standings.
Hickey won the game for the Islanders by stopping the puck in the left circle, then beating Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne stick-side for his fourth goal this season.
“I was joking with [assistant coach Greg] Cronin after, I was getting mad at him because I don’t know why he put a forward on D for overtime, but it worked,” Islanders coach Doug Weight said of having Hickey on the ice.