Defenseman Andrej Meszaros scored 4:42 into overtime as the Philadelphia Flyers skated to a 4-3 triumph over the visiting New York Islanders on Thursday in a battle of Atlantic Division rivals.

Jeff Carter collected a goal and an assist and captain Mike Richards and James van Riemsdyk also tallied as Philadelphia (40-15-6) remained one point behind the Vancouver Canucks (39-14-9) for the most points in the league. The Canucks recorded a 3-2 triumph over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

Rookie Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 32 shots for the Flyers, who secured their 19th win in 20 outings against the Islanders.

Defenseman Matt Carle forced a turnover late in overtime and eventually found Meszaros, who beat Al Montoya by wiring a shot from the slot just inside the left post for his fifth goal of the season.

Philadelphia secured a 3-1 lead after Carter tallied at 5:05 of the third period. The goal - Carter's 28th of the season - leveled him with All-Star Daniel Briere for the club lead.

Matt Martin tallied twice in the third period - the latter with 28 seconds remaining in the session - and Frans Nielsen also scored for New York (23-31-8).

Montoya finished with 39 saves for the Islanders, who suffered just their third loss in nine games (6-2-1).