We, as fans, can rest assured that even if the New York Islanders lose tonight’s Game 2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Islanders will have accomplished the all-important goal of earning a 1-1 road split. They have already stolen home-ice advantage from Tampa Bay. When a team starts its series on the road, it wants to do what the Islanders have done already.
But damn, wouldn’t it be sweet to take Game 2, too? The Isles would take a 2-0 series lead back to Nassau Coliseum for two games, and they would leave themselves five chances—including three chances at home—to win two games.