The Islanders began the night clinging to the East's second Wildcard spot. Understandably, they played with passion. The Lightning weren't able to match it.
In the opening period, New York's higher urgency level yielded a huge possession advantage. The Lightning managed to post just three shots on net and only eight total attempts while the Islanders recorded 13 shots and 32 attempts. But the number of dangerous chances for New York was low and Brian Elliott was very solid in turning aside all 13 of the shots he faced.
In the second and third periods, the Lightning leveled the ice. The Islanders held a slight edge in shots (29-28) and attempts (50-43). But unlike the first period, the Lightning surrendered numerous high-danger chances. The Islanders' opening goal was scored from the left point on a seeing-eye shot from Adam Pelech. But their other five goals came on shots from prime scoring areas.
The Lightning created a handful of Grade-A looks themselves during the final 40 minutes. However, Ilya Sorokin stopped all but one of them - a Nikita Kucherov wrist shot from the inner part of the left circle.
After allowing a total of three goals over a four-game span, the Lightning have given up 12 in the past two. They'll try to put these two porous defensive outings behind them as they finish the trip Saturday in Ottawa.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Brock Nelson - Islanders. Goal and two assists.
2. Ilya Sorokin - Islanders. 30 saves.
3. Adam Pelech - Islanders. Goal.
