Islanders 2*, Panthers 1 (*SO): Down to the wire in Florida

Nelson was huge tonight.It had to go the distance in an unimpressive shootout, but Brock Nelson’s shootout goal earned the New York Islanders two points tonight against the Florida Panthers. The two points will allow the Isles to control their own home ice destiny on Saturday against the Washington Capitals. Just one point vs. the Capitals will earn the Isles the second seed in the Metropolitan Division, giving the team home ice for the first round of the playoffs for the first time in a very long time.

The first period started up with Mathew Barzal drawing a penalty, with Evgeni Dadonov heading to the box for high sticking. However, the power play continued its trend as the “powerless”…