Tavares scores late in OT; Islanders beat Capitals 3-2 to set franchise record

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - John Tavares scored a power-play goal late in overtime to lift the New York Islanders to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

The goal, the ninth of the season for Tavares, came at 4:36 and was assisted by Ryan Strome and Johnny Boychuk. Washington's Nicklas Backstrom was sent off for holding the stick at 2:38 to set up Tavares' heroics.

The Islanders have set a franchise record by winning 16 of their first 22 games. They are 10-1-0 in their last 11 contests and 7-0 in extra time this season.

Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves for his eighth straight win. He has allowed only 10 goals in those eight wins.

Anders Lee and Travis Hamonic scored first-period goals for the Islanders, while Alex Ovechkin scored twice for the Capitals in his 700th NHL game.