NEW YORK _ The Islanders kept their dying playoff hopes alive with a 2-1 win over the Devils Friday night, but it may be a hollow victory after John Tavares was helped off the ice with 3:14 left in the third, clutching his left hamstring and unable to put any weight on his leg.
Anders Lee and Anthony Beauvillier had goals for the Islanders, who snapped a three-game losing streak and a five-game home losing streak with the win in a game in which they received nine power plays, including three five-on-three advantages, from the last-place Devils. Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves for the win.
Tavares tried to skate by Devils defenseman Steve Santini behind the New Jersey net when their sticks got tangled up. Tavares awkwardly stepped through and immediately grabbed his left hamstring, unable to get up from the ice without assistance.
