Lightning Vs. Islanders: Tampa Bay Unable To Overcome First Period, Falls To New York

After spotting the Islanders a three goal lead after one period, the Tampa Bay Lightning were unable to come back against the New York Islanders. The Islanders scoring pace would slow down, but unfortunately, the Lightning’s would as well as they were unable to net a goal after the first period, falling by a final of 5 to 1. John Tavares notched four points for the Isles. Steven Stamkos was the only member of the Lightning able to breakthrough against Al Montoya. It was his first goal of the season.

Dwayne Roloson was pulled in the second period after allowing 5 goals on 18 shots. He was replaced by Mathieu Garcon, who did not allow a goal after facing only 16 Islanders shots. Tampa Bay remained perfect for the season as a penalty killing unit, killing off the Islanders five power play chances.

The Lightning fell to 1-2-1 on the season. They travel to Sunrise for a game against the Panthers on Saturday night.

Lightning Vs. Islanders: Lighting Fall Farther Behind, Down 5-1 After Two Periods

After a blistering four goal first period, the Islanders slowed the offensive pace a bit but still notched one goal to extend their lead to 5-1. Michael Grabner continued the scoring assault for the Islanders at 6:47 in the 2nd period, extending the lead to four goals. It would remain at four for the remainder of the period, as the Lightning were unable to put any dent in their lead.

Tampa Bay goalie Dwayne Roloson was sent to the bench, having giving up five goals on just 18 shots. It was not entirely Roloson’s fault as the defense in front of him was shredded for much of the first period. Enough was enough after the fifth goal, however, and head coach Guy Boucher made the switch to Mathieu Garon.

The Lightning start the 3rd period just looking to make it interesting on Long Island. Tampa has been on the power play only once tonight so they’ll need some more Islander mistakes to have a chance to get back in it.

Lighting Vs. Islanders: New York Races Out To 4-1 Lead After 1st Period

So much for establishing some sort of consistency or rhythm for the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night in their road matchup against the New York Islanders. Tampa Bay surrendered four 1st period goals in the first 20 minutes of action.

John Tavares got the scoring started before fans could even make themselves comfortable, putting a wrist shot in the net past Dwayne Robinson a mere 38 seconds into the game. Tavares would add his second goal of the period roughly minutes later to extend the lead to 3-1. Prior to Tavares’ second goal of the young season, Tampa Bay leveled the score at 1-1 when Marc-Andre Bergeron put an unassisted shot past Al Montoya for his first goal of the season. The Lightning then struck at the 9:28 second mark when Matt Moulson scored on a goal that Tavares assisted on. Three points in the first period for Tavares — impressive.

We’ll see how much longer Robinson remains in net. He’s allowed four of the 11 shots he’s faced to get by him, though in his defense, the guys skating in front of him have not been much assistance.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the game as the Lightning try to avoid a 1-2 start on the road in New York. They’ll have to overcome a three-goal deficit to avoid that fate.

Minus Ohlund, Lightning Look To Rebound Against Islanders

The Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1-1, 3 Points) face off against the Islanders (1-1-0, 2 Points) in New York, looking to bounce back after losing their last two games.