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Halak sets Isles' record in win over Flames

Feb 28, 2015 - 4:03 AM Uniondale, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Jaroslav Halak set an Islanders season record in style, turning aside 26-of-27 shots in New York's 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames.

Halak was denied a shutout when Josh Jooris scored with 20.9 seconds left to play, but still earned his 33rd victory of the campaign to set a new season- best for an Islanders goaltender.

Jooris' goal came just moments after New York's Cal Clutterbuck put in an empty-net score that turned out to be the game-winner.

Halak also stopped Michael Ferland on a penalty shot in the first period, while Ryan Strome delivered a power-play goal to help the Islanders regain sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division.

"It feels good, but I wasn't chasing any records," said Halak afterward. "I was just trying to win the game and we got it done. Every time we win it's a team effort. Obviously (my teammates) deserve a lot of credit for it, too."

Calgary, fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and playing without captain Mark Giordano due to an upper-body injury, dropped its fourth game in its last five despite Karri Ramo stopping 37-of-38 chances in a strong effort between the pipes.

"You're not going to win too many games not scoring until the last minute of the game," Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman remarked.

The Islanders held a 1-0 lead most of the way after converting their first power-play chance of the night. Ramo was able to get a piece of a John Tavares shot, but the Flames could not clear the puck and Strome knocked in the rebound with 8:21 left in the opening period.

The goal ended Calgary's club-record 13-game streak of not allowing a power- play score, with the Flames having killed off 25 straight penalties during the stretch.

Just over two minutes later, Ferland was pulled down from behind by Johnny Boychuk on a breakaway to be awarded the penalty shot. However, Halak cut off the rookie and stopped the attempt with his chest for a crucial save.

"He didn't do too much on it, just shot it and I was able to stop it," said Halak of Ferland.

Ramo was still able to keep his team within striking distance with a 14-save first period, and Calgary killed off an early penalty in the second to stay within one goal entering the final frame.

Halak stoned Jiri Hudler in close on a Calgary 5-on-4 less than a minute into the third period to maintain New York's lead, which Clutterbuck appeared to have extended when he jammed home a loose puck with 4:25 elapsed in the stanza. The goal was waved off, however, as Brock Nelson was ruled to have made contact with Ramo during the scrum.

Clutterbuck was not denied on a follow-up try with Ramo pulled for an extra attacker, though, putting New York up 2-0 with just 41.3 seconds remaining.

Jooris tipped in a blast from Joe Colborne on the ensuing shift, but the goal was too little and too late.

Game Notes

Halak had shared the Islanders' single-season wins record with Billy Smith (1981-82), Chris Osgood (2001-02) and Rick DiPietro (2006-07) ... The Flames had not surrendered a power-play goal since Jan. 27 against Buffalo ... New York improved to 23-5-2 this season in games decided by a single goal ... Tavares' assist on Strome's goal was his 13th point in his last eight games (5 goals, 8 assists).