The New York Islanders pulled within three points of the New York Rangers for second spot in the Metropolitan Division with a throwback 6-4 victory in their first visit to Madison Square Garden this season.

Johnny Boychuk scored twice in the first period, and Brock Nelson and Kyle Okposo also tallied for the Islanders before Eric Staal closed a wild, seven-goal opening frame with his first goal with the Blueshirts.

Naturally, the pace slowed in the second period and the score remained the same until midway through the third, when Derick Brassard knotted the game at four with a one-time shot on the power play. But with 88 seconds left in regulation, Cal Clutterbuck snapped a quick shot past Antti Raanta - starting again for the injured Henrik Lundqvist - off an offensive zone faceoff, preserving an all-important regulation win.

The Islanders have the benefit of three games in hand in their pursuit of the Rangers, who are now barely clinging to second spot in the division and the provisional right to host their cross-borough rivals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jaroslav Halak made 22 saves for the victory, which was the Islanders' sixth on their seven-game road trip.

The two teams will meet again at Madison Square Garden April 7, in a game that could ultimately finalize seeding in the division.

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