Bure's Trick Fools Islanders

Pavel Bure's fourth hat trick of the season included his 50th goal as the Florida Panthers beat the New York Islanders 4-2 Saturday night.

Bure scored the game-winner with 70 seconds left in regulation when he broke around defenseman Jamie Rivers and moved in alone on goalie Kevin Weekes. He beat Weekes between the pads with a wrist shot to give the Panthers their first win in three games, and fourth in their last 14.

Bure added an empty-net goal with 19.5 seconds left, giving him his 15th career hat trick. It also marked his fourth 50-goal season, and the second time he scored his 50th with an empty-netter.

Scott Mellanby also scored for the Panthers, who moved within four points of Southeast Division-leading Washington.

Mike Sillinger had three assists and Mike Vernon made 26 saves for Florida.

New York capitalized during a two-man advantage at 17:04 of the first when Czerkawski sent a high one-timer from the right hash mark past Vernon for a 1-0 lead. The goal was Czerkawski's team-leading 26th, matching a career high. He also had 26 for Edmonton in the 1996-97 season.

Florida tied it at 3:11 of the second on a power play when Mellanby pushed Sillinger's cross-ice feed into the open right side.

Bure scred with 1.4 seconds left in the period to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead. His one-timer from the slot off a drop pass from Ray Whitney beat Weekes between the pads.

Isbister tied it on a power-play slot shot at 4:39 of the third. It was Isbister's fourth goal in five games.

Islanders defenseman Ian Herbers, acquired from Tampa Bay on March 9, left the game late in the second with a high left ankle sprain. He will be re-evaluated Sunday.

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