Rookie Gibson helps Isles clinch playoff spot
Neophyte Netminder Backstops Brooklyn-based NHL Squad into Playoffs
The New York Islanders wanted no part of “backing into” the playoffs in their first season here in Downtown Brooklyn.
Thanks to the heroics of rookie goaltender Christopher Gibson, a furious third-period rally and Thomas Hickey’s overtime goal, our borough’s NHL franchise punched its ticket to the postseason without any outside help Tuesday night in Washington, D.C., pulling out a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Capitals.
“We didn’t [want to] wait for someone else to do it for us,” said Hickey, who suffered a skate cut along his face, which he called “minor” before potting the game-winner and playoff-clincher at 2:13 of the extra session.