Islanders News: Jets downed, Lehner honored, Wahlstrom signed

They could have come home with nothing, but the Islanders didn’t let up last night and got two big regulation points in Winnipeg with a dramatic equalizer and winner 33 seconds apart. It was also the seventh time this season they won after tailing 2-0.

That put them two points ahead of Pittsburgh (95) and kept pace three behind the Capitals.

Islanders News

About last night, 5-4 to the good guys, including a pair by Eberle and Cizikas’ 20th:

• What a game, what a persistent comeback, with a bonus Lee tackle of Eberle to cap off the good vibes. [LHH]
• A huge comeback, overcoming an ugly makeshift third line with Tanner Fritz out and Uncle Leo at center. [Newsday]
• Or maybe it was a totally disjointed effort?? [Post]
• That magic number is now 2. [NYI Skinny]
• Paul Maurice wasn’t digging all that. [NHL]
• But Trotz sure was: “From what I’m told, I wasn’t here last year, but that game would have been a lot of, ‘Okay, well we’ll wait for the next one.’ And that wasn’t the case. That hasn’t been the case all year. That’s what is great about this group.”. [Isles]

• Robin Lehner is the Islanders’ nominee for the Masterton memorial trophy for dedication and perseverance. [Isles | LHH | Newsday]
• We heard earlier this week Oliver Wahlstrom was leaving NCAA Boston College. Now it’s official, with the signing of an ELC and [UPDATE] an ATO in Bridgeport. [Isles | LHH]
• Can the Islanders revamp their power play in time for the playoffs? [Athletic] They’re trying. [Post]
• Barry Trotz and Ryan Pulock enjoy swinging back through their home province of Manitoba. [Newsday | Post]
• Sebastian Aho has had an outstanding second pro year and he likes the direction he’s headed. [Athletic]
• With Andrew Ladd done for the season, Michael Dal Colle is finally getting another chance to be a regular. [Post]
• Officially now: Bobo Carpenter has an ATO to be in Bridgeport. [Sound Tigers]
• Always loved Kelly Hrudey, goalie for the Easter Epic and a thoughtful broadcaster after his playing days. [Isles]
• Talk with Clark Gillies, Butch Goring, and Newsday hockey reporters on April 8 at the newspaper headquarters in Melville. [Newsday]

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores include Columbus trouncing the Canadiens in a big wild card tilt that dropped Montreal below the playoff line (though tied on points at 90). The Blue Jackets are definitely hitting stride just in time. Meanwhile, the Capitals (100 points) beat the Hurricanes (91) in regulation, clinching a playoff berth for Washington and putting the Metro title ever closer.

• The IIHF Women’s World Championship begins April 4 in Finland, and NHL Network will have exclusive TV coverage of the U.S. games, and at least 10 games from the tournament in their broadcast package. [NHL]
• The Hurricanes, aiming to reach the playoffs, are ending their “Storm Surge” postgame celebrations. [News & Observer]
• Is Phil Housley still safe as coach in Buffalo? Pierre LeBrun isn’t so sure. [TSN]
• Brooksie goes on verbal walkabout comparing the Rangers to the Bruins. [Post]
• They didn’t have the “day with the Cup” for winners back in Bernie Parent’s day, but the NHL is trying to rectify that. He got his turn in Philly. [NHL]
• The Oilers still need a GM. [31 Thoughts podcast]