UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Center John Tavares scored just 15 seconds into overtime Sunday afternoon as New York Islanders edged the Washington Capitals 2-1 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at a delirious Nassau Coliseum.
The Islanders lead the best-of-7 series 2-1. It is their first series lead after three games since 1993.
Tavares put back the rebound of a shot by left winger Nikolay Kulemin. It trickled past Capitals goalie Braden Holtby and over the red line as the sellout crowd erupted.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Uniondale.
Right winger Kyle Okposo scored for the Islanders while goalie Jaroslav Halak made 24 saves.