Devils 3, Islanders 2
Defenseman Andy Greene scored to snap a tie with just under five minutes remaining in the third period as the New Jersey Devils recorded a 3-2 home victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday.
Ilya Kovalchuk notched a goal and an assist and rookie Jacob Josefson also tallied for the Devils, who were eliminated from postseason contention after the Buffalo Sabres skated to a 1-0 triumph over the New York Rangers earlier on Wednesday.
Staked to a 2-0 lead in the third period, Martin Brodeur allowed a pair of goals to Frans Nielsen. But Greene’s fourth goal of the campaign with 4:56 remaining in the third period pushed the Devils back ahead for good.
Brodeur made 27 saves for New Jersey, which last missed the postseason in 1995-96.
Kovalchuk was iffy for the contest with a pair of bruises on his left ankle and right foot, but showed no ill effects as he converted at the 4:17 mark of the first period. Josefson made it 2-0 in the second with his third goal of the season.
New York goaltender Rick DiPietro stopped 17 shots in his third start since missing 20 games due to facial injuries.