Recap
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Islanders Electrify UBS Arena with Victory Over Lightning

The New York Islanders secured a crucial victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena, improving their record to 14-10-3. The game ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of the Isles, while the Bolts now stand at 16-8-2.


Dec 2, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) celebrates with defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) and left wing Anders Lee (27) after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

First Period


The opening period saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with neither side managing to find the back of the net. The Islanders and Lightning each displayed solid goaltending and defensive strategies, setting the stage for an intense matchup.


Second Period


In the second period, Bo Horvat broke through for the Islanders, scoring his first goal of the game. His effort was supported by strong play from Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal, who kept pressure on Tampa Bay's defense. Despite several attempts by Tampa Bay to equalize, Ilya Sorokin stood tall in goal for New York.


Dec 2, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) and goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Third Period


The final period saw Anthony Duclair extend New York's lead with another well-timed goal. Although Tampa Bay managed to respond with a late goal from their side, it wasn't enough to overcome Sorokin's stellar performance between the pipes. He made 29 saves throughout the game, earning him recognition as one of its standout players.


As part of our New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning recap: what went wrong for New York Islanders was minimal compared to their overall solid performance; however, they will need to address giveaways which totaled 17 during this match-up.


Dec 2, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) skates with the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

In terms of game-changing plays New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning: Horvat’s opening goal set momentum in motion that carried through till end whistle blew signaling victory belonged firmly within grasping hands belonging solely unto Isles themselves alone!


Following this win over Bolts comes next challenge awaiting Isles when they face Colorado Avalanche on December 4th at UBS Arena scheduled start time being precisely set down upon clock reading exactly seven o'clock PM Eastern Standard Time sharp! Fans can catch all action live via ESPN+ or MSGSN broadcasts available nationwide across America’s airwaves alike so don’t miss out tune into see how things unfold further still yet again soon enough indeed!


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