The New York Islanders clinched a playoff berth Tuesday after finding themselves down 3-1 early in the third period, as Thomas Hickey completed the 4-3 comeback win with an overtime goal.
With an #NHLOT win, @NYIslanders clinched their 2nd straight playoff berth & 3rd in the past 4 seasons. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/WELbEDuYP5
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 6, 2016
"I think it's the hard way," Hickey said about clinching a playoff spot, according to Newsday's Laura Albanese. "We didn't wait for someone else to do it for us. ... That's the right way to do it."
Kyle Okposo and Anders Lee provided the third-period heroics, while rookie goaltender Christopher Gibson recovered from allowing a goal on the first shot he faced, finishing the night with 29 saves to record a win in his first NHL start.
"I don't have any words. I'm still on a high from that game," the 23-year-old netminder said. "I believed in our team and I knew we were going to come back."
John Tavares scored the other Islanders goal, his 31st of the season.
The Islanders' win draws them into a tie for third in the Metropolitan Division at 97 points with the rival New York Rangers, who are in action Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
While Gibson picked up his first victory, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby was prevented from picking up his 48th win of the season, which would tie Martin Brodeur's single-season record.
Alex Ovechkin scored a pair of goals for the Capitals to bring his league-leading total to 47, while T.J. Oshie finished the night with a goal and two assists.
