"John Tavares hit two posts, was robbed on a one-timer and thought for sure he had an assist on a beautiful backhand pass.

Through 60 minutes, the latest "Next One" was one of the best players on the ice but couldn't crack the score sheet. No worries; Tavares kept working and delivered an upset for the upstart New York Islanders in overtime.

Tavares hit Mark Streit with a beautiful centering pass as the Islanders defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 on Friday night at Verizon Center.

"Good players make the plays," Caps center Brendan Morrison said. "He's a young kid, but you can tell he's highly skilled. He's going to be a good player in this league."

The first pick in June's draft had several great chances, and Tavares even slammed the butt end of his stick off the ice in frustration after Jose Theodore stoned him from point-blank range on a one-timer in the third period.

Still, the 19-year-old wunderkind made the key play, outworking Nicklas Backstrom and Shaone Morrisonn for the puck behind the net and hitting Streit all alone in front with a perfect pass 53 seconds into the extra session.

Tavares has four goals and nine points in 12 games, but the quality of his one-point effort Friday made him look like the franchise player the Islanders desperately need.

"They work hard; they're a good team," Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said. "They've only got three wins, but... if they don't get injuries, they're going to be a team to be reckoned with in that division." "