Seeking a return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2015 (wonder who it played that year?), Tampa will look to move one step closer when it faces the Islanders in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on Wednesday night in Edmonton.
The Lightning struck (eh, eh?) early and often in Game 1 on Monday night, chasing Islanders starter Thomas Greiss with three goals on nine shots in the first period. Semyon Varlamov fared no better, allowing five goals on 25 shots during the final 50 minutes of play in a disastrous 8-2 loss for the men from Long Island.
Five points each from Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov guided Tampa’s attack, while Victor Hedman and Kevin Shattenkirk added three points apiece from the blue line. New York could get a much-needed boost with the potential return of Cal Clutterbuck to the lineup, although coach Barry Trotz said he’ll be a game-time decision.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
New York at Tampa, 7 p.m. (NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS)