Ladd strike helps Islanders edge Rangers in NY derby
NEW YORK: Andrew Ladd scored the tie-breaking goal with about 7½ minutes remaining in the third period as the New York Islanders rallied for 3-2 victory over the crosstown-rivals Rangers in the NHL on Wednesday night.
Anders Lee had a goal and an assist, and Nikolay Kulemin also scored for the Islanders, who pulled two points behind Boston for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot. Anthony Beauvillier had two assists and Thomas Greiss stopped 34 shots.
Mats Zuccarello and Rick Nash scored, and Antti Raanta finished with 25 saves for the Rangers, who remained six points behind Columbus for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Islanders, who beat the Rangers for the third time in four games this season and seven of eight over the last two, won for just the second time in six games (1-31). The Islanders also improved to 17-9-4 since interim coach Doug Weight replaced the fired Jack Capuano.
The loss extended the Rangers’ home losing streak to seven games (0-5-2) since beating Washington on Feb 19.
William Nylander and Leo Komarov each had a goal and an assist to help the Toronto Maple Leafs beat hosts Columbus 5-2.
Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri also scored, and Frederik Andersen had 32 saves as Toronto stayed in the thick of the play-off hunt in the Atlantic Division. Nikita Zaitsev scored an empty-net goal after the Blue Jackets pulled their goalie for a sixth skater near the end.
David Savard and Brandon Saad scored for Columbus, who lost for the first time in the last five games. Back-up goaltender Joonas Korpisalo stopped 26 shots. The Blue Jackets stayed in third place in the Metropolitan Division, two points behind leaders Washington and one behind Pittsburgh. They play the Capitals in Washington on Thursday night.
Rickard Rakell scored the go-ahead goal while Hampus Lindholm had a goal and two assists as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 at home.
Anaheim have passed Edmonton for second place in the Pacific Division with nine games remaining for both teams.