Islanders bolster play-off hopes, Rangers trump Bruins in NHL

Omnisports

March 24, 2016 1:35 AM

The New York Islanders ended a four-game losing streak to bolster their hopes of making the NHL play-offs thanks to a 3-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.

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The New York Islanders ended a four-game losing streak to bolster their hopes of making the NHL play-offs thanks to a 3-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

The victory put the Islanders four points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, who are outside the wildcard spots in the Eastern Conference.

After a scoreless first period ,the game came to life in the second, with John Tavares, Matt Martin and Brock Nelson converting for the home side to give them a 3-0 advantage.

Jean-Francois Berube made 22 saves for the Islanders but could not earn a shutout after Mark Stone pulled one back for the Senators.

The Boston Bruins missed the chance to consolidate their play-off spot in the Atlantic Division after suffering a 5-2 loss at the hands of the New York Rangers.

The Rangers struck first through Mats Zuccarello eight minutes, 37 seconds into the opening period before Derek Stepan doubled their advantage three minutes later.

Derick Brassard made it 3-0 at 5:26 in the second period, but Lee Stempniak put some life into the Bruins with a goal four minutes later.

However, goals to J.T. Miller and Rick Nash either side of Frank Vatrano's effort for the Bruins meant the Rangers moved four points above the Penguins.

Meanwhile, the Bruins suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, which have all come in regulation time.

Omnisports