Islanders score five, defeat Panthers 5-4 to take series lead

"UNB! Network" Tri-State Sports Report

The New YORK Islanders went into their first 2016 playoff game on Thursday night hoping to take a 1-0 series lead over the Florida Panthers.

They did.

The Islanders had goals from Frans Nielsen, Brock Nelson, John Tavares, Ryan Strome and Kyle Okposo to defeat the Panthers 5-4.

Thomas Greiss made 42 saves for the Islanders, and posted a .913 save percentage.

Jussi Jokinen, Teddy Purcell and Reilly Smith (2) scored for the Panthers.

Roberto Luongo made 22 saves for the the Panthers, and had an .808 save percentage.

The Panthers outshot the Islanders 46-26.

Game two of the series is on Friday at 7:30pm ET.