Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Welcomed back to NHL

Halak was recalled from AHL Bridgeport on Thursday.

Analysis:

Halak hasn't played in an NHL game since Dec. 29, when he surrendered four goals on 24 shots against the Wild as the last straw before his demotion to the minors. However, the Isles have pulled him back to the parent club with a playoff spot to be had; the veteran tender has, after all, looked impressive with the Sound Tigers -- 17-7-1 with a 2.15 GAA and .925 save percentage. Halak could occasionally spell starter Thomas Greiss down the stretch, though Jean-Francois Berube is also in the mix.