New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lightning [Game 12]

The New York Islanders put their seven-game winning streak to the test tonight against the fast, terrifying, but not quite meeting-preseason-expectations-form Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Nassau Coliseum.

Leave your First Islanders Goal picks here.

The Islanders are coming off another four-day layoff, which — as Carey discussed in his October review —obviously didn’t hurt them last time around, mid-win streak. But this is a challenging weekend, with the Lightning tonight before traveling to Buffalo afterward to meet the Sabres tomorrow.

Stylistically, this will match the high-flying Lightning, who continually try to get themselves not to play too high-risk and rely too much on their offensive talent, and the defensively disciplined Islanders, who play in the Barry Trotz mode where all offense is founded on first frustrating the hell out of the opposition.

The Lightning still score a lot — 3.42 goals per game thus far, ranking ninth — but they’re conceding 3.50 per game, which is eigth-worst in the NHL. By contrast, the Isles are scoring 3.0 per game but conceding 2.45.

It’s early, of course; but that’s a fair reflection of the first month.

Lightning Notes

• The Lightning are a somewhat disappointing 6-4-2 so far, as they came into the season once again as a popular Cup finalist pick.
• Adding to their troubles, anchor defenseman Victor Hedman is now on IR, as is summer depth signing Pat Maroon.
• Speaking of low-risk signings, reclamation project Luke Schenn was recalled and made his Lightning debut in their comeback win over the hapless Devils.

Islanders Notes

• Looks like Thomas Greiss’ turn in goal as the Isles tandem continues to make goaltending the least of their concerns. {knock on wood}
• It does not look like the Islanders will alter their lineup. Otto Koivula was recalled mid-week but he looks to be a scratch, and Anthony Beauvillier returned after missing practice with illness.
• They’re of course still without forwards Jordan Eberle, Matt Martin, Tom Kuhnhackl, and Leo Komarov, who should be the first one to come back.

Locally, this one airs at 7 p.m. EDT on MSG+ and MSG GO, with audio on 88.7FM, 103.9FM and 1050AM.

For those out of market but in the U.S., this game (and three other Isles games this month) is also available on ESPN+.

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