[HelloHockeyFans]

THE END IS NEAR


Tomas Vokoun watches as Pittsburgh forward Mike Ribiero
chases down a loose puck.

PITTSBURGH - Alexei Kovalev's goal with under five minutes remaining in a tied game sent the Islanders home with their playoff hopes further dimmed.

Sometimes, you run into a hot goalie, and on Tuesday night, the Islanders unfortunately did just that.

Zac Bierk, who made the start for the Penguins who opted to rest their starting goalie Ed Belfour, made 25 saves in the game as Pittsburgh defeated the New York Islanders by a score of 4-3.

Alexei Kovalev scored twice with his second goal breaking a 3-3 tie with less than five minutes to play in the game to crush the Islanders' hopes of a much-needed victory, as they chase down the 8th and final playoff spot.

The Isles' chances were not helped as the Hurricanes toppled the Calgary Flames Tuesday, giving them a six point lead now on the 9th place Isles.

Paul Kariya scored twice Tuesday, upping his goal total to 40 on the season.

The daunting task of making the post season now seems like an impossibility, and fans on the Island may have to wait (again) until next year.