The Islanders, second to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Metropolitan by two points, were buoyed to a 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings by Brock Nelson (one goal, one assist).
The Red Wings slumped to a fifth straight defeat, leaving them two points off the Atlantic-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning were humbled in a shoot-out by the New Jersey Devils 3-2 but earned a point by coming from two goals down to force the extras.
Adam Henrique (one goal, one assist) set-up the Devils' advantage, only for Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov to make it 2-2 - the latter goal coming in the final minute of regulation.
But Patrik Elias' third-round goal in the shoot-out proved the winner for New Jersey, who moved fifth in Metropolitan.
The Ducks were trampled by the Ottawa Senators 6-2, as their lead atop the Pacific standings remained at nine points.
Ottawa led 4-0 late in the second period, after goals to Milan Michalek, Mark Stone, Kyle Turris and Mark Hoffman before some brief Anaheim resistance.
Ryan Getzlaf struck goals either side of the final break but Hoffman's second and a goal to Mika Zibanejad helped the Senators to a comfortable triumph.
The Calgary Flames lost for a seventh straight outing, going down 2-1 to the Dallas Stars.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Michael Hutchinson made 31 saves, as his side beat the Boston Bruins 2-1.