TAMPA -- New York Islanders captain John Tavares didn't mince words to describe the way his season ended Sunday.
"Brutal," Tavares said after a 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena that wrapped up the Eastern Conference Second Round in five games.
It was a rough finish for Tavares and the Islanders, who lost four games in row following a 5-3 win in Game 1. They controlled the play in Games 3 and 4 at Barclays Center, only to lose each in overtime.
Tavares disappointed with 'brutal' loss
Islanders center shut down again in Game 5, held scoreless in final four against Lightning
© Mike Carlson/Getty Images
© Scott Audette/Getty Images