Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final on September 13, 2020 in Edmonton. Credit: Getty Images/Bruce Bennett
The Islanders usually are an afterthought on NBC’s NHL schedule, regarded as a ratings dud compared to more powerful national brands such as, well, the Rangers.
But this summer, the Peacocks have had no choice but to showcase the Islanders during a surprising run to the Eastern Conference finals, a run that is on the brink on Tuesday night in Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.