Crosby returns, but Penguins fall to Isles
PITTSBURGH — Kyle Okposo’s first career playoff goal with 7:37 remaining in the third period lifted the New York Islanders to a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night, evening their playoffs series at one game each.
Matt Moulson, Colin McDonald and Matt Martin also scored for the Islanders, who spoiled Sidney Crosby’s comeback from a broken jaw by rallying from an early two-goal deficit.
Crosby scored twice in the game’s first eight minutes as the Penguins raced to a 3-1 lead. But they couldn’t hold it as the Islanders bounced back from a lifeless performance in Game 1.
“Our guys, they’re relentless,” New York coach Jack Capuano said.
Evgeni Nabokov overcame a slow start to stop 30 shots as the Isles won their first playoff game in more than six years.
SHARKS 3, CANUCKS 2 (OT): In Vancouver, British Columbia, Raffi Torres scored at 5:31 of overtime to give San Jose a victory over Vancouver.
The Sharks took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which shifts to San Jose for games Sunday and Tuesday. San Jose was 17-2-5 at home this season.
Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, whose goal in the final minute of the third period forced overtime, also scored for San Jose.
BLACKHAWKS 5, WILD 2: In Chicago, Patrick Sharp and Michael Frolik had two goals apiece as Chicago beat Minnesota.
Patrick Kane added two assists as Chicago put together a strong start and impressive finish to open a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Bryan Bickell added an empty-net score to his winning goal in the Blackhawks’ 2-1 overtime victory in the postseason opener Tuesday night.
Game 3 is scheduled to be played Sunday afternoon in Minnesota.
CANADIENS 3, SENATORS 1: In Montreal, Ryan White started a three-goal second period, and goalie Carey Price was back in top form with 29 saves as Montreal beat Ottawa.
The best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series is tied 1-1 heading into Game 3 on Sunday in Ottawa.
Brendan Gallagher and Michael Ryder also scored for Montreal. Milan Michalek scored for Ottawa, which was let down by a power play that went 0-for-4.
The Canadiens outshot the Senators 34-30 and found ways to get pucks past Craig Anderson.