New York Islanders center Casey Cizikas (53) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Kyle Palmieri reached the 20-goal mark for the sixth time in his career, Bo Horvat extended his goal streak to three games, and the New York Islanders moved into a playoff position with their sixth straight win, a 6-1 rout of the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night.
The Islanders scored three times in the first period, including Palmieri on a breakaway 7:28 into the game. New York has outscored opponents 11-0 in the first 20 minutes during its winning streak.
It was the second time this season the Ducks have allowed at least three goals in the first period in two straight games.
“Sometimes you take these game for granted, and that’s not what our guys didn’t do,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “We were ready for them. We played a good game and jumped on them early.”
The top line of Horvat, Brock Nelson, and Mathew Barzal combined for six points as the Islanders moved into the Eastern Conference’s second and final wild card after being seven points back two weeks ago. Detroit and New York both have 74 points, but the Islanders have one game in hand.
Horvat and Nelson each had a goal and an assist while Brazal had two assists. Casey Cizikas, Pierre Engvall, and Cal Clutterbuck also found the net for New York. All but six of the Islanders’ 18 skaters ended up getting on the score sheet.
“All four lines are playing well. The defensemen are moving the puck fast, and it’s what’s making us successful. We’ve just got to continue to do that,” Palmieri said.
Semyon Varlamov stopped 22 shots to pick up his first win in net since Dec. 13, also against Anaheim.
Anaheim’s Alex Killorn extended his goal streak to four games during the second period. Lukas Dostal made 13 saves for the…
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