41 Jaroslav Halak G

Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Named Monday's starter

The past year for Halak has been unconventional, to say the least. The Slovakian had a dismal start to the 2016-17 season with the Isles and was demoted to AHL Bridgeport, only to be recalled for the final three weeks of the campaign -- and he was absolutely lights-out, posting a 6-1-0 record while allowing 1.58 goals per game and recording a .949 save percentage. Halak figures to be the Islanders' No. 2 goalie in 2017-18, but don't be surprised if he makes a run at Thomas Greiss' position as No. 1.

Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Not protected by Isles

This is not a surprise since the Islanders have seemed to want to get out from under Halak's contract the minute after he signed it. Halak is highly unlikely to get selected by Vegas, as it will have plenty of younger and possibly better goaltenders to go after. That said, Halak will likely be in a training camp battle with Thomas Greiss to determine who starts for the team next season.

Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Wins fifth straight

It was Halak's fifth-straight win. He has been hot -- he's allowed just six goals in those five outings. Sadly, the Isles destiny was in the Maple Leafs hands and the latter's win Saturday pushed the Isles out of the postseason.

Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Starting Saturday in New Jersey

Halak has been red hot lately, picking up four consecutive wins while posting a spectacular 0.99 GAA and .966 save percentage over that span. The Slovakian netminder will look to stay dialed in and help keep his team's playoff hopes alive by picking up his 12th victory of the campaign in a highly favorable road matchup with a Devils team that's only averaging 2.25 goals per game at home this season, 29th in the NHL.

Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Keeps playoff dreams alive with 29-save shutout

The Islanders are trying to claw their way into the playoffs without their best player, John Tavares, and Halak has been key in that effort -- he's recorded four straight wins, giving up only four goals on 116 shots in that span, good for a .966 save percentage. Halak is certain to be in net for at least one of the Isles' games this weekend, and maybe even both if the Isles' playoff hopes are still alive Sunday. They're quite a long shot still, though.