Islanders win first playoff series since 1993, advance to Round 2

Of course the Islanders would wait a little bit longer to win their first playoff series in 23 years. New York went to double overtime yet again with Florida, but John Tavares’ strike at the 10:41 mark of the second extra session sent the Barclays Center crowd in delirium and gave the Isles a 2-1 win and most importantly a 4-2 series win.

“It’s time we had to get over this hump and push forward,” Tavares told ESPN. “I don’t think we tried to put too much pressure on ourselves knowing we weren’t here for all of that, but certainly a lot us have been here for a while and it was time for us.”

Tavares’ series-clincher came on a rebound attempt.

“When I got the rebound, I realized how far he came out,” Tavares told ESPN. “I had a good step and just tried to, not take my time, but really make sure I had control of the puck. And obviously once you get around the net, make sure it goes in.”

Tavares, the Isles’ captain, scored the Islanders only other goal of the night with 53 seconds left in the third period.

The Panthers had held a 1-0 lead since the 18:58 mark of the first period when Jonathan Huberdeau beat Thomas Greiss.

The Isles will next take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.