WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) -- John Tavares netted his 20th goal of the season in the third period Tuesday, providing the go-ahead score in the New York Islanders' 3-2 win over Washington.
With 5:18 left in the final frame, Washington defenseman Mike Green coughed the puck up in his own zone near the Capitals' net.
Mike Moulson got control behind the end line and sent a pass to Tavares in the right circle, who one-timed it home to break a 2-2 tie.
Michael Grabner and Josh Bailey also tallied for the Islanders, who reached the .500 mark (15-15-3) and notched their second straight win in a bid to secure an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Evgeni Nabokov made 20 saves to earn the win.
Mike Ribeiro and John Carlson each found the net and Braden Holtby made 28 stops for the Capitals, who came into the contest two points out of a post-season slot.