NHL: Philadelphia 3, N.Y. Islanders 1

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Rookie defenseman Jim Vandermeer recorded his first career two-goal game Saturday afternoon as Philadelphia beat the New York Islanders, 3-1.

The victory ended a five-game losing streak.

With the Islanders caught a man short on a line change, Vandermeer answered an early second-period goal by Alexei Yashin with a shot from the left boards that made its way past former Flyers goaltender Garth Snow with 3:08 left in the second period.

Vandermeer, whose first goal of the season came eight games ago, completed his first multi-point game 6:18 into the third period, again beating Snow with a slap shot from the top of the left faceoff circle to make it 2-1.

Simon Gagne sealed the game with 7 1/2 minutes left on a deflection in front for his eight goal.

Robert Esch made 18 saves for the Flyers in his return from a groin injury.

The Flyers completed a 1-1