NEW YORK -- The New York Islanders are heading to the second round after beating the Florida Panthers in double overtime here Sunday night.

How it happened: Islanders captain John Tavares played the hero, tying Game 6 with 52.3 seconds left in regulation and then scoring the winner in double overtime to eliminate the Panthers and send the sellout Barclays Center crowd into a frenzy, as the Islanders won their first playoff series since 1993. Tavares scored the third overtime winner for the Islanders and second in a row in double overtime on a wraparound effort at 10:41 of the second extra period to close out this closely fought series. Tavares scored the equalizer when no one, including Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo, knew where the puck was even though it was lying just beside him in the crease. The goal also came after the Panthers had a chance to ice the victory with an open-net goal but could not get it done as Vincent Trocheck was tripped by Matt Martin but no call was made. The Islanders dominated the first overtime period, outshooting the Panthers 15-8 and it seemed as though it was only a matter of time until they cashed in, even though the Panthers turned it on in the third.

What it means: Tavares has been a force in this series -- his winner was his fifth goal and ninth point of the series -- and he should be a forced to reckon with in the next round. The Islanders will now face a well-rested Tampa Bay Lightning team that defeated the Detroit Red Wings in five games. As they were against the Atlantic Division-champion Panthers, the Islanders will no doubt be underdogs but as they proved Sunday night it’s a position that seems to suit them. As for the Panthers, a season of such promise ends on a sour note.