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Kuznetsov scores tiebreaking goal in 3rd period to lead Capitals past Islanders 2-1 in Game 7

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92), from Russia, works the puck with New York Islanders left wing Josh Bailey (12) defending, during the first period of Game 7 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Monday, April 27, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

New York Islanders defenseman Brian Strait (37) and right wing Cal Clutterbuck (15) scuffle with Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) during the first period of Game 7 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Monday, April 27, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

Skating around every opponent on the ice, rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov scored the go-ahead goal with less than 7 1/2 minutes left in Game 7, and Braden Holtby only needed to make 10 saves Monday night, lifting the Washington Capitals past the New York Islanders 2-1 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Kuznetsov scored the sort of athletic, breathtaking goal his better-known Russian teammate, Alex Ovechkin, often does, taking the puck from the right boards and heading across the ice before sending a rising shot over sprawling goalie Jaroslav Halak.

Joel Ward gave Washington a 1-0 lead late in the second period, and Frans Nielsen pulled New York even early in the third.

The Capitals next face the New York Rangers.