The New York Islanders once again have the upper hand over the Tampa Bay Lightning, this time beating them in the shootout 3-2. The Lightning made a comeback from being down 2-0, but they were unable to close the deal.
The Islanders won their third straight game. Meanwhile, the Lightning lost their fifth-place finish in the last seven games.
Islanders hold on to lightning
Matthew Schaeffer started the game in the opening minutes with a power play goal, making it 1-0. Calum Ritchie extended the lead to 2-0 midway through the first period. The lead would be maintained until halfway through the match. Then Lightning started coming back in.
Darren Raddysh continued his attacking streak with a powerplay goal, halving the lead in the second period. JJ Moser tied the game at two goals in the opening minutes of the third period.
Related: Islanders hold their breath after Bo Horvat’s early departure
Regulation ended with the match still tied, so each team would walk away with at least one point apiece. Neither team could find the back of the net in extra time, so a shootout would decide the match.
During the first two turns, each team got a goal. Mat Barzal scored one for the Islanders and Brayden Point got one for the Lightning. Nikita Kucherov was in position to give the Lightning the lead, but he was stopped by Ilya Sorokin. Emil Heineman followed it up with a goal to end the shootout and earn a win for New York.
Sorokin stood in front of the Islanders and put 32 of 34 between the pipes to set them up for victory. Meanwhile, Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson saved just 15 of the 17 shots he faced.
The Islanders are in action on Tuesday when they take on the Detroit Red Wings. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Lightning head home on Monday for a game against the Florida Panthers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m
Three stars of the game
- Ilya Sorokin (32 saves, .941 save percentage)
- Anthony Duclair (two assists)
- Matthew Schaefer (one goal)
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