Los Angeles (AFP)

The New York Islanders, led to two wins to zero by Tampa Bay in the final of the NHL Eastern Conference play-offs, returned to the race after their 5-3 victory in Game N.3 on Friday in Edmonton.

The American Brock Nelson and the Canadian Anthony Beauvillier were each the authors of a goal and an assist for the New Yorkers, who had been literally corrected in the first game of this series (2-8) before be beaten in extremis in match N.2 (1-2).

The Islanders therefore had to react quickly to stay in the race and thanks in particular to their goalkeeper, the Russian Semyon Varlamov, who stopped no less than 34 shots, this match took a completely different turn than the previous two.

“It's a big win for us after being down two to zero. We needed to play like the Islanders know how to do - that is, being relentless, physical and present throughout. 'other from the field, "Beauvillier said after the game.

In front of them, Tampa Bay played without its striker Alex Killorn, suspended after having struck from behind Nelson in the previous match, nor especially without his leading scorer in these play-offs, the Canadian Brayden Point, injured.

Result of the Eastern Conference final match played on Friday:

EAST CONFERENCE

.

New York Islanders beat Tampa Bay 5 to 3

Tampa Bay leads two wins to one

To come up:

Match N.4, September 13

Match N.5 (if necessary), September 15

Match N.6 (if necessary), September 17

Match N.7 (if necessary), September 19

WEST CONFERENCE

.

Las Vegas beats Dallas 3 - 0

Dallas leads two wins to one

© 2020 AFP