Now at .500, Islanders focused on getting points

There no longer is time for the Islanders to come up for air. Not for one game, not for one period.

Assistant coach and former captain Doug Weight issued that message between the second and third periods of a tie game Saturday, stressing to the Islanders the importance of every standings point as they cling to the fringes of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

"From February on, it's going to be ugly," winger Matt Moulson said, relaying Weight's message. "In an ideal world, we'd play three perfect periods and come out with a great win. But two points is two points."

The Isles secured the critical second standings point in a nonconference game, as captain Mark Streit's 1-on-4 goal in overtime lifted them to an important 2-1 win Saturday over the Kings. Now 7-2-2 in their last 11 games, the Isles evened their record at 23-23-8 with 28 to play beginning with Sunday's game against Florida.

"We just have to find ways to win. Nothing else matters," said goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who made 34 saves to increase the confidence his teammates have in him.

"Nabby made some huge saves out there," Moulson added. "He's got a lot of wins in this league, and that's not for no reason. He's a great goaltender in the clutch. You have a lot of confidence when your goalies are playing well."

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