The Lightning are the best team based on the NHL standings but the Islanders were the better team on the ice on Sunday night.
Three goals in the opening 4:43 and two goals from their fourth line paced the Islanders to a 5-1 win over the league-leading Lightning at Barclays Center, a strong affirmation they’ll be able to compete with the NHL’s best throughout the playoff push.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield said of facing the Lightning. “I don’t think anyone is nervous. These are the games you want to play.”
The Islanders (25-15-4), who lost to the Rangers, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn, have now won 11 of their previous 14, helped Sunday by Thomas Greiss' 38 saves.