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Islanders News: Humble beginnings, wound lickings

The Islanders were blown up here, there and everywhere by Lightning snipers. But it only counts for one.

New York Islanders v Tampa Bay Lightning - Game One
Solitary dejection...but plenty of time for redemption.
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

If the Islanders get outclassed again in Game 2 then we’ll really have reason to be worried, but the lone saving grace for being blown out in Game 1 is that it’s just one game. And of course the fun trivia stat is that the only two previous times the Islanders have conceded eight goals in a playoff game, they went on to win the series.

Totally different eras (the 1975 arrival and the 1980 dynasty beginning), but still. If anyone can stop the Lightning, it’s Barry Trotz...and perhaps a goalie who steps up.

Just one game though. That was the general sentiment in the post-game.

In both locker rooms.

What else can you say?

Islanders News

  • Steve delivers our post-mortem. [LHH]
  • “Sometimes you get it handed to you.” [NHL]
  • Last night wasn’t the best example (for anyone in blue and orange), but Mathew Barzal is evolving into a complete player this postseason. [Newsday]
  • Routed. [Newsday] Demolished. [Post] Dismantled. [TSN] That Point guy is something else. [Sportsnet]
  • What of the goalies? Greiss got the start, was pulled, Varlamov did not do any better. [NHL]
  • No rust for the Lightning. [TB Times]
  • Lightning fans riding high after that one. [Raw Charge]
  • The Isles and Lightning were both headed in the wrong direction before the pandemic did its thing. Now one of them will compete for the Cup. [Sportsnet]

It’s easy to forget now, but the game was tied 1-1 and Brock Nelson had a shorthanded breakaway where the puck would just not settle for him (though he still got a decent shot off). I don’t know how things would’ve or could’ve changed if he’d potted that. But the Lightning snipers were deadly all night.

Thomas Greiss was pulled after one outstanding opening goal and two goals by Lightning defensemen that were perfectly placed and where he could not see:

Speaking of which: We are definitely going to need both goalies to get through this series.

Elsewhere

  • Bobby Ryan was named the Masterton Trophy winner. [NHL]
  • The NHL announced another week in the bubble without a positive test. Well done, well done. [NHL]

Your Sonic Pick-me-up

Go ahead, gouge away. If you want to.