Once again, the Lightning stand in the way of the Islanders’ first berth in the Stanley Cup Final since 1984.
Last season, the Lightning needed six games to eliminate the Islanders in the Eastern Conference finals in the Edmonton bubble before winning the franchise’s second Cup. Now, the East Division champion Islanders meet the Central Division champion Lightning, who have home-ice advantage, in the NHL semifinals with the series being played in the teams’ arenas in front of fans.
The teams did not meet in the regular season as all play was within the four divisions.
"When your career is done, you’re going to remember those special moments," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said.