8:10 pm
June 21

Islanders @ Lightning

Who will WIN this matchup?

New York Islanders (32-17-7)

@ Tampa Bay Lightning (36-17-3)

 

Starting Goalies:

Semyon Varlamov (NYI): Unconfirmed

Andrei Vasilevskiy (TB): Unconfirmed

 

Current odds:

New York Islanders: (+170)

Tampa Bay Lightning: (-190)

 

• The disappointment of losing the last game is not difficult to digest for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The New York Islanders scored three times in the second period and then held on for the 3-2 victory on Saturday to even their Stanley Cup playoffs semifinal series at two wins apiece. However, as the Lightning prepare to play host on Monday, it’s with a valued element in their pocket, and not just because they are the defending champions.

• The Lightning have a better road record (6-2) than home mark (4-3) in the playoffs, but that doesn’t diminish their confidence heading into this crucial clash. Besides, their disappointing second period on Saturday provides some extra motivation.

• Led by Brayden Point’s early tally that extended his goal-scoring streak to seven games, the Lightning pushed back in the third period, but the big break Cooper alluded to went against his squad.

• As time was about to expire, Tampa Bay’s Ryan McDonagh made a jaw-dropping spin-a-rama play to deke New York goaltender Semyon Varlamov, but Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock blocked the shot that appeared headed into the yawning net.

• While Pulock’s goaltender impersonation will be most remembered from this game, the Islanders were full measure for their victory. Yes, they were led by goals from Josh Bailey and Mathew Barzal — who netted his sixth goal in eight games — but New York had seven players record a point, including the game-winner by Matt Martin, his first goal of the playoffs.

• The Islanders have outscored opponents 23-10 in the second period during the playoffs amidst a strong outing.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Tampa Bay Lightning
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