Islanders rally from 3 deficits, beat Florida 5-4 in Game 1

SUNRISE, Fla. - John Tavares had a goal and two assists, including one that set up Kyle Okposo's go-ahead goal early in the third period, and the New York Islanders beat the Florida Panthers 5-4 in Game 1 of the teams' Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on Thursday night.

Thomas Greiss survived a shaky beginning and made 42 saves for the Islanders in his first playoff start, and Brock Nelson, Frans Nielsen and Ryan Strome added goals for New York.

Home-ice advantage in the series now belongs to the Islanders, and they can take a 2-0 lead back to Barclays Center if they prevail when the series resumes in a quick turnaround on Friday night.

Reilly Smith had two goals, Jussi Jokinen had a goal and two assists and Teddy Purcell also scored for the Panthers. Roberto Luongo stopped 21 of 26 shots.