The New York Islanders are headed to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years, thanks to their midseason turnaround under new head coach Patrick Roy, who replaced Lane Lambert.
Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson each recorded a goal and an assist, leading the Islanders to a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, clinching one of the remaining playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
“We were unhappy with our spot and how we were performing to what we knew we were capable of,” Nelson said about the coaching change. “Whether it was Lane or Patty, the group still believed in what we have. Sometimes, a different voice gives a fresh perspective, and right now, it feels like we’re on a bit of a roll.”
Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Kyle MacLean also scored for the Islanders, securing third place in the Metropolitan Division. Goalie Semyon Varlamov made 23 saves, earning his fifth consecutive win and extending New York’s point streak to eight games (7-0-1).
“It wasn’t the prettiest of hockey games, but we capitalized on our opportunities,” Islanders captain Anders Lee said. “But making the playoffs is the culmination of 81 games of work and everything in between. So guys should be proud of it; we’ll enjoy it here a little bit.”
The Islanders’ resurgence validated general manager Lou Lamoriello’s decision to replace Lambert on Jan. 20. Under Roy’s leadership, the team posted a 19-12-5 record, playing their best hockey with the playoffs on the line. Lambert, who had led the Islanders to the playoffs in 2022-23, was 19-15-11 when he was dismissed.
“They played some very good hockey down the stretch and were resilient,” Roy said. “They worked together. We learned how to win, and I love that even when it was 2-1 tonight, we stayed calm and didn’t change our game. That’s a really good sign.”
The victory ensures the Islanders will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs.
Timo Meier scored the lone goal for the Devils, who missed the playoffs a year after setting a franchise record with 112 points. Jake Allen made 14 saves in New Jersey’s final game of the season.
“It’s definitely tough,” Meier said. “The year is done, we miss the playoffs, and that’s not where we want to be. Now it’s time to take some time off, reflect, and evaluate our performance. We’re disappointed.”
The Devils also changed coaches midseason, firing Lindy Ruff (30-27-4) in March after a poor West Coast trip. Associate head coach Travis Green was named interim coach, but the team did not respond well, finishing 8-12-1 under his leadership.
Green will meet with general manager Tom Fitzgerald to discuss his future. If Fitzgerald conducts a coaching search, he may get an interview.
The Islanders, who will conclude their season at home against the Penguins on Wednesday, never trailed in this game. Pageau scored on a 2-on-1 with Pierre Engvall with 7:38 left in the first period on their first shot of the game. Palmieri doubled the lead with his 29th goal, a tip-in on a power play, with 3:08 remaining in the first.
Meier cut the deficit to 2-1 early in the second period with his 29th goal, but Nelson restored the two-goal lead with his 33rd goal with 8:12 remaining in the period. MacLean sealed the game with a close-range goal in the third period.
With the Devils already out of playoff contention, Islanders fans filled the arena and celebrated more as the New York lead grew.
UP NEXT:
- Islanders: Host the Penguins on Tuesday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.
- Devils: Season over.
