Anders Lee hits milestones in NY Islanders loss, nearing career-high point total

It was another disappointing loss in a disappointing season for the New York Islanders on Sunday night, falling 6-4 to the Carolina Hurricanes as their winless streak extended to five games (0-3-2). The team is three points behind the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Detroit Red Wings have also drawn even with them in the standings, tied for 10th with 73 points.

However, one player who hasn't disappointed all season is captain Anders Lee, who hit a couple of individual milestones during his resurgent season. Lee's third-period goal tied that game at 4-4 for his 27th of the year. It was also his 50th point of the season (27G, 23A), the fifth time he's hit that mark in his 13 seasons on Long Island. His career-best 62 points came during his 40-goal 2017-18 season, but he never surpassed more than 52 in any other year, a number he will likely pass with nine games remaining in the schedule.

That wasn't the only milestone Lee hit. His 27th goal of the season was also the 286th of his career, tying Brent Sutter and Pat LaFontaine for 6th in team history. Sutter, of course, was inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame in January, while LaFontaine is a Hockey Hall of Famer, having scored 465 goals in 865 games and is regarded as one of the greatest American-born scorers in hockey history.

"It's really special," said Lee after the game. "I've said this before, but I've been fortunate to be in this organization for a long time, played for a lot of special people and great teammates so credit to them for getting pucks to the net."

Lee, who was moved up to the first line before the game, was as active as ever, collecting 10 shots on goal for the second time in his career. For perspective, the most ever is Mike Bossy's 12. In a season that will be reflected on as an underachievement, Lee, at age 34, has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career at a point when most thought his most productive years were behind him. He's been the team's leader and arguably MVP in a remarkably consistent individual season.