Islanders at Lightning
The New York Islanders have climbed within three points of eighth place in the Eastern Conference and face an important stretch that could determine whether they will be a true contender. The Islanders begin that quest with a two-game trip to the Sunshine State, starting with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. New York had gained at least a point in five straight games (3-0-2) before dropping a 6-1 decision at Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Islanders have won five of their last seven against the Lightning, including a 4-3 victory on Jan. 21.
Tampa Bay has won only two of its last nine games, but is coming off a 3-2 triumph at the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. It was only the second victory in 12 one-goal contests for the Lightning, who are only two points behind the Islanders as they start a three-game homestand.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG, SunSports (Tampa).
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (11-12-3): New York has played well on the road, earning points in seven of 10 games before the defeat at Pittsburgh (6-4-1). The Islanders will play six of the next 10 away from home and must get back to basics on the penalty kill after surrendering seven goals in the last five games. John Tavares continues to lead the Islanders with 16 goals and 29 points, just ahead of linemate Matt Moulson (11 goals, 27 points). New York won’t have third-leading goal scorer Michael Grabner, who is out at least a week with a shoulder injury. The Islanders need more from former first-round pick Kyle Okposo, who has two goals.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (11-14-1): Tampa Bay managed 13 shots at Florida, only two more than the franchise low. Anders Lindback made that meaningless by turning aside 37 shots for his ninth victory. The 6-6 Swede has allowed six goals with a .936 save percentage in the last three games. If the Lightning are to make a run, their high-octane offense will lead the way. Steven Stamkos has a league-high 20 goals and is one short of 200 in his career. The line of rookie Alex Killorn with captain Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis has been very productive. Bruising defenseman Radko Gudas made a very solid debut in Florida.
OVERTIME
1. The Lightning won their first five at home and have gone 1-6-1 since - including losses in the last four.
2. Islanders LW Matt Martin, who played with Stamkos in junior hockey at Sarnia of the Ontario Hockey League, leads the NHL with 128 hits.
3. The Lightning have power-play goals in back-to-back games for the first time since Feb 16 and 19.