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Can Lightning Strike Twice Against the Islanders at UBS Arena?

The Tampa Bay Lightning, with a 4-2 victory over the New York Islanders, showcased their dominance on the ice. The Lightning's record now stands at an impressive tally, while the Islanders' performance this season adds another loss to their statistics.


Feb 24, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA;  Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) reaches for the puck in the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

At UBS Arena in Belmont Park, fans of both teams witnessed a game where Tampa Bay Lightning's offense was firing on all cylinders. The team's shooting accuracy was evident as they scored four goals from just twenty-one shots, translating to a nineteen percent shooting success rate. Their powerplay unit capitalized on one of their three opportunities when they had the man advantage.


The first period set the tone for Tampa Bay with two goals that put them ahead early in the game. They continued to build on this lead with an additional goal in the second period and sealed their victory with one more in the third period, including an empty-netter that underscored their control of play.


Feb 24, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA;  Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) reaches for the puck in the first period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay's goaltender deserves special mention for his flawless performance between the pipes; he saved all thirty-two shots he faced from New York Islanders' attackers. This perfect save percentage contributed significantly to keeping opponents at bay throughout all three periods.


On defense, Tampa Bay was equally robust; they blocked twelve shots and won fifty-one percent of faceoffs which helped maintain possession and control of play. Despite being handed five penalties resulting in ten penalty minutes, they managed not to concede any powerplay goals thanks to disciplined shorthanded play.


Feb 24, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA;  New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) and Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) battle for control of the puck in the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Conversely, New York Islanders found it challenging to break through Tampa Bay’s defense but managed two goals late in the third period which proved too little too late. Their goaltender made seventeen saves but allowed three goals before an empty-net goal brought up Tampa Bay’s fourth. The Islanders had more opportunities on powerplays than Tampa Bay but only converted one out of five chances into a goal.


As for physicality, both teams were engaged with hits throughout; however, it was clear that finesse over force was today’s winning formula as demonstrated by fewer hits from Tampa Bay compared to New York's eleven hits.


Tampa Bay Lightning fans can look forward to their next game against New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center scheduled for February 25th at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. This match will be available for viewing across multiple networks including TNT for television broadcast and Max via internet streaming along with MSGSN providing additional TV coverage options.

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