Panthers tie Islanders series, Flyers stay alive against Capitals

A third-period goal from defenseman Alex Petrovic saw the Florida Panthers tie their NHL Stanley Cup play-off series against the New York Islanders thanks to a 2-1 win on Wednesday.

Petrovic scored the winning goal nine minutes, 25 seconds into the final period to level their Eastern Conference first-round series at 2-2.

After a scoreless first period, the deadlock was broken 15:18 into the second through Teddy Purcell, with Jaromir Jagr picking up the assist and becoming just the fifth player in NHL history to record 200 or more post-season points.

But the Islanders responded with 16 seconds left in the second period through John Tavares, setting up a thrilling final period at the Barclays Center.

However, it was the Panthers who found the winner, with Petrovic scoring a rare goal for the Atlantic Division champions.

The Washington Capitals failed to wrap up their series against the Philadelphia Flyers after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Wells Fargo Center.

Michal Neuvirth made 31 saves for the Flyers as they kept alive their Eastern Conference series against the Capitals, but they still trail 3-1.

Shayne Gostisbehere put the Flyers ahead 5:51 into the first period before Andrew MacDonald doubled their advantage early in the second.

T.J. Oshie pulled one back for the Capitals 2:38 into the final period but the Flyers held on for a much-needed victory.

The Dallas Stars moved to 3-1 in their series against the Minnesota Wild courtesy of a 3-2 win at the Xcel Energy Center.

No scores were posted in the first or third periods, with all five goals coming in an action-packed second.

The Wild led twice through Jason Pominville and Charlie Coyle but Ales Hemsky and Patrick Eaves struck back for the Stars before Jason Spezza scored the go-ahead goal with 69 seconds left in the second.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks made it 3-1 in their Western Conference series against the Los Angeles Kings thanks to a 3-2 win at the SAP Center.

The Sharks were 3-0 ahead early in the third period before two goals to the Kings made it a nervy finish, but the home side held on to extend their series lead.