Lauridsen's goal lifts Flyers past Islanders 2-1

[April 26, 2013]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Oliver Lauridsen and Danny Briere scored goals to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to 2-1 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday.

Lauridsen scored his second career NHL goal on a slap shot high above the circle late in the third period to lift the Flyers to a win in their home finale. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

John Tavares scored for the playoff-bound Islanders. The Islanders are headed to the playoffs for the first time in six seasons and failed to earn a point for the first time in 12 games.

With playoff positioning still up for grabs, the Islanders dropped to eighth in the Eastern Conference after overtime wins by the Rangers and Senators.

The Islanders clinched an Eastern Conference playoff spot in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Hurricanes on Tuesday night.

The Islanders end the season on a five-game road trip and finish Friday at Buffalo.

As always, the Flyers had expectations of a deep playoff run. But injuries that decimated the defense and overall inconsistent play doomed the team in the lockout-shortened season.

This summer is shaping up to be a big offseason of change for the Flyers. The team has not won the Stanley Cup since 1975.

Coach Peter Laviolette is on the hot season and his return for a fifth season is in doubt. With a hefty $6.5 million salary cap hit and declining production, Briere knows the Flyers could use one of their amnesty buyouts on him.

One of the top playoff performers in franchise history, Briere was limited this season because of a broken wrist and concussion. His first goal in 20 games was met with a loud ovation from fans in what could have been his final one at home.

Brayden Schenn set up Briere's sixth goal of the season with a precision pass in the crease straight through defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky's legs. Briere easily got the puck past Kevin Poulin.

Tavares tied the game at 1-all just 1:37 into the second period on a tip-in for his 28th goal of the season. He was third in the NHL in goals entering Thursday night.

Lauridsen put the Flyers ahead with a hard shot that whipped over Poulin stick side shoulder.

NOTES: The Flyers selected their individual award winners: Jakub Voracek was picked the team MVP and most improved; Kimmo Timonen, top defenseman; Scott Harntell, class and character; Zac Rinaldo, most heart; Claude Giroux, most stars of the game. ... The Islanders failed to outshoot a team for the first time in 11 games.

[Associated Press; By DAN GELSTON]

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