NEW YORK, N.Y. (The Sports Xchange) — One of hockey’s longest droughts is over. After 8,381 days, the New York Islanders are headed to the second round of the playoffs.
John Tavares forced overtime by scoring in the final minute of regulation and then scored the game-winning goal with 9:19 left in second overtime Sunday night as the New York Islanders eliminated the Florida Panthers with a 2-1 win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at Barclays Center.
The Islanders won in overtime three times on their way to taking the series 4-2. New York will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the conference semifinals beginning later this week.