PITTSBURGH _ Jaroslav Halak had a strong game in his return to the Islanders, making 37 saves and two more in the shootout as the Isles pulled out a 4-3 victory over the Penguins on Friday night to move into the final wild-card playoff spot in the East.
Halak made six saves in a lopsided overtime and then a couple stops in the shootout in his first NHL game since Dec. 29.
The Islanders pressed for the two-goal lead in the third, throwing 20 shots on Marc-Andre Fleury, but it was Matt Cullen who shoveled home a rebound with 6:50 left to tie it for the Penguins.
Casey Cizikas, Anders Lee and Brock Nelson scored in the second period for the Isles, with Cizikas' goal coming with 4.5 seconds left to give them a lead. Lee's goal was reviewed for offside and appeared to be primed for an overturned call, but it was ruled a good goal.
Nelson had a goal called back with 1.7 seconds left in the first on goaltender interference after Alan Quine bumped Fleury. Doug Weight was livid at that call, just as Pens coach Mike Sullivan was upset by Lee's goal counting.
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