TAMPA, Fla. – The Islanders will have their first first-place battle since ascending to the Metropolitan Division’s top spot when they face the Atlantic Division-leading Lightning on Thursday night at Amalie Arena.
“It’s just a good test for us,” Islanders center Mathew Barzal said. “They’ve been doing it for the last four, five years, they’ve been in that top spot. We haven’t been consistent with it so it is a good test for us. We’re playing well and we’re in first place and that’s the best team in the league, probably. We’re excited.”
The Islanders are opening a two-game Florida swing after having their five-game winning streak ended with a 4-3, five-round shootout loss to the Canadiens at Barclays Center on Monday night.