NHL: New York Islanders 5, Pittsburgh 3

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UNIONDALE, N.Y., March 29 (UPI) -- Kyle Okposo gave New York a three-goal lead early in the third period Thursday and the Islanders fought off a Pittsburgh comeback to down the Penguins 5-3.

The Islanders had not defeated Pittsburgh in more than a year before sweeping their home-and-home series this week. New York's win in Pittsburgh Tuesday was its first on the Penguins' home ice since 2007.

In addition to losing again to the Islanders, the Penguins got a scare when captain Sidney Crosby was hit in the face by a puck early in the second period.

Crosby, playing in only his 17th game of the season after again missing time this year with concussion-related problems, bled heavily and had a towel over his face as he skated off the ice. He returned to action, however, before the second period came to an end.

Okposo put the Islanders in front 2-1 on the power play with 3:24 to go in the first period and Josh Bailey produced a shorthanded goal for New York 2 minutes later.

A second goal by Okposo 5:52 into the third period turned out to be the game-winner.

Jordan Staal and Evgeni Malkin scored final-period goals for the Penguins to cut their deficit to one, but Josh Bailey clinched it with an empty-net score 5 seconds from the end of the contest.

Al Montoya made 26 saves to get the win. Marc-Andre Fleury was touched for four goals on 24 shots.