'We are louder!': Rookie Kuznetsov scores 2, Capitals top Isles 5-1 for 3-2 series lead

Washington Capitals center Michael Latta (46) blocks New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin (17) away from the puck with goalie Braden Holtby (70) in goal, during the second period of Game 5 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Thursday, April 23, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

Washington Capitals center Brooks Laich (21), right wing Troy Brouwer (20) and New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck (15) collide during the first period of Game 5 in the first round of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, Thursday, April 23, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (The Associated Press)

Rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov scored twice, Karl Alzner added a goal and an assist, and the Washington Capitals beat the New York Islanders 5-1 Thursday night for a 3-2 lead in their first-round series.

Buoyed by a raucous crowd chanting "We are louder!" in reference to some back-and-forth among players about which team's fans produce more noise, the Capitals controlled the action most of the evening after falling behind 1-0.

Dominating despite zero points from stars Alex Ovechkin or Nicklas Backstrom, Washington got goals from Kuznetsov, Brooks Laich and Jason Chimera in the third period, which it began ahead only 2-1.

The Capitals can end the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series by winning Game 6 at New York on Saturday