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He’s back: With 10 games left, Isles recall Halak

Carolina Hurricanes v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the New York Islanders tends net save against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 24, 2014 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The Isles are in full playoff push mode, and on Thursday made a move to bolster their chances.

Jaroslav Halak, the veteran netminder that’s been in AHL Bridgeport since early January, has been recalled ahead of New York’s crucial three-games-in-four-days stretch, the club announced.

It’s the latest in what’s been a tumultuous move for the 31-year-old. Halak opened the year as part of an uncomfortable three-goalie rotation -- along with Thomas Greiss and Jean-Francois Berube -- and was soon on the trading block after agent Allan Walsh criticized the setup on Twitter.

With no takers -- and after then-head coach Jack Capuano called him out for his poor play -- Halak was placed on waivers, and sent to the minors.

Halak has been really good in Bridgeport. He’s posted a 17-7-1 record with a 2.15 GAA and .925 save percentage, and a pair of shutouts. And given how spotty Berube’s play has been as Greiss’ backup, there’s a shot Halak could be making a start for the Isles soon.

As mentioned above, the club is in the midst of a compacted part of the schedule. Greiss was excellent in last night’s win over the Rangers -- stopping 34 of 36 shots in a 3-2 victory -- but he was also busy.

The Isles head to Pittsburgh on Friday, then host the Bruins on Saturday, then host the Preds on Monday. The Boston game looms large because, after last night, New York found itself just two points back of the B’s for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Per Newsday, there’s a real chance Halak will face the Pens on Friday, which would open the door for Greiss to take on the Bruins the following day.