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Greiss shuts the door in relief appearance, Islanders hold on to defeat Penguins

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In a crucial Metropolitan division battle, the Islanders played host to the Penguins in Brooklyn and made it out with two huge points. Thomas Greiss played just five minutes in net for the Isles, but earned the win.

From the bench to the crease, New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss was called into action for a sudden relief appearance late in the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

After making 31 stops, Jaroslav Halak left the game in pain after making a save with his team in the lead. Greiss entered the game for the final 4:22 of regulation and stopped all three shots he faced in a difficult situation as the Islanders held on for the 2-1 win over their Metropolitan Division rivals.

Halak still gets credit for the win. It’s the 200th of his NHL career.

Greiss also got some help from teammate Travis Hamonic, who made a great foot save blocking a Phil Kessel shot with seven seconds remaining in the Penguins pressing for the tying goal.

Anders Lee was given credit for the winning goal. He was embroiled in a battle with Kris Letang in front of the Pittsburgh net, knocking over the Penguins defenseman before the puck deflected in off Lee.

Letang was furious. He whacked Lee with his stick while on the ice, then delivered a cross check to Lee as the Islanders began to celebrate.

The Islanders have now won four in a row to move five points up on the Penguins for third in the Metropolitan Division.

The Islanders also have two games in hand.