NY Islanders 4, Carolina 3

ISLANDERS 4, HURRICANES 3: All-Star John Tavares had two goals and an assist as New York completed the season series sweep by defeating visiting Carolina on Saturday.

Tavares pounced on a rebound 38 seconds into the third period to give the Islanders their decisive lead. Tavares backhanded home his 24th of the season after Justin Peters made a couple of saves but couldn’t control the rebounds.

Kyle Okposo opened the scoring for the Islanders with his 13th of the season at 2:07 of the first period. The Hurricanes’ Brandon Sutter responded at 13:47 by capping a 2-on-1.

After Jiri Tlusty gave the Hurricanes a 2-1 lead just 15 seconds into the frame, Tavares scored his first goal in nine contests at 4:10 when he drove hard to the net to square the game at 2-2.

Frans Nielsen made it 3-2 for the Islanders with his 12th of the season at 8:01. Nielsen worked a perfect give-and-go with Tavares on a New York power play.

Jaroslav Spacek capped off a wild second period when he slapped a shot through heavy traffic at 10:58 to knot the game at 3-3.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Hurricanes return home for their next six games. … Tlusty has points in seven straight games. … With an assist, Carolina captain Eric Staal now has points in five straight contests. … Carolina goalie Cam Ward was replaced after giving up three goals on 21 shots through two periods. … Tavares collected 12 points in the four games against Carolina.

• NY Islanders will play their next game at home against Ottawa . The Islanders have a W/L % of .417 after a win and .441 after a loss.
• Carolina will play their next game at home against Washington . The Hurricanes have a W/L % of .318 after a win and .405 after a loss.