The Tampa Bay Lightning are sizable -218 favourites to win this series as well as -156 favourites in Monday's Game 1.
They might be the two and six seeds in the Eastern Conference, but there’s no denying the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders are the conference’s best teams from the last month of hockey in Toronto.
The Lightning are 10-3 in the bubble, entering Monday’s Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final on a four-game winning streak. The Islanders are 11-5, fresh off a seven-game series win over the East’s top seed in the Philadelphia Flyers.
Now travelling to Edmonton to play for a Stanley Cup final bid, the Lightning are sizable -218 favourites to win this series as well as -156 favourites in Game 1, according to NHL odds.
Islanders vs. Lightning NHL Playoff Odds
Sometimes good defence gets wrongfully categorized as boring. Case in point: the Islanders are averaging 3.38 goals per postseason game, the Lightning 3.00. Many view the Lightning as this matchup’s offensive juggernaut, when in reality the Isles can pull their own weight too.
Although defence is just as important. New York is second in the postseason with 1.94 goals against per game, and Tampa Bay is right behind with 2.31.
When it comes to these teams’ recent head-to-heads, the Lightning are 6-4 in their last 10 meetings with both teams averaging over three goals per game.
New York Islanders
Forward Josh Bailey, who has two goals and 15 assists, has quietly been the highest-scoring Islander this postseason. Barry Trotz’s team gets it done by committee, as New York has 11 multi-goal scorers and 17 skaters with at least three points.
In the Second Round it was by committee in net too, as Semyon Varlamov started the majority of the games but got benched for Thomas Greiss in Game 7, who had a 16-save shutout.
With 14 games started in the bubble, Varlamov is likely the guy for New York in Game 1. Varlamov’s .921 save percentage shows he’s been effective in net. But if there’s any concern with New York heading into the Eastern Conference final, it’s Varlamov’s consistency.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay has reached their fourth Eastern Conference Final in the last six seasons with ease. In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy has been rock solid with a .944 save percentage during 5-on-5 play.
Only Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point rank in the top 35 postseason scorers, which shows how well-rounded Tampa Bay is. Their third line of Barclay Goodrow–Yanni Gourde–Blake Coleman has been the X-factor so far. The three have combined for seven goals and 19 points, and have some of the best possession numbers on Tampa Bay’s roster.
While both clubs are relatively healthy, Steven Stamkos still hasn’t dressed this postseason. He’s unlikely to play this round, but he’s a gamebreaker to keep an eye on.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Islanders vs. Lightning?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 6 Sep 1:06pm | NYI | -1.5 +171 | O +5 -115 |
| Closing 7 Sep 11:46pm | NYI | -1.5 +158 | O +5 -126 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Islanders Team Leaders
| Points |
60 |
| + / - |
12 |
| Shots |
195 |
| Penalty Mins |
78 |
| Wins |
19 |
| GAA |
2.62 |
| Points |
85 |
| + / - |
28 |
| Shots |
210 |
| Penalty Mins |
71 |
| Wins |
35 |
| GAA |
2.56 |
| Points |
20 |
| + / - |
12 |
| Shots |
72 |
| Penalty Mins |
28 |
| Wins |
11 |
| GAA |
2.02 |
| Points |
34 |
| + / - |
15 |
| Shots |
92 |
| Penalty Mins |
32 |
| Wins |
18 |
| GAA |
1.9 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lightning Team Leaders
| Points |
60 |
| + / - |
12 |
| Shots |
195 |
| Penalty Mins |
78 |
| Wins |
19 |
| GAA |
2.62 |
| Points |
85 |
| + / - |
28 |
| Shots |
210 |
| Penalty Mins |
71 |
| Wins |
35 |
| GAA |
2.56 |
| Points |
20 |
| + / - |
12 |
| Shots |
72 |
| Penalty Mins |
28 |
| Wins |
11 |
| GAA |
2.02 |
| Points |
34 |
| + / - |
15 |
| Shots |
92 |
| Penalty Mins |
32 |
| Wins |
18 |
| GAA |
1.9 |
Injuries
Adam Pelech (D)
Cal Clutterbuck (RW)
Tom Kuhnhackl (RW)
Casey Cizikas (C)
Cal Clutterbuck (RW)
Cal Clutterbuck (RW)
Johnny Boychuk (D)
Leo Komarov (RW)
Josh Bailey (RW)
Thomas Hickey (D)
Luke Schenn (D)
Steven Stamkos (C)
Erik Cernak (D)
Luke Schenn (D)
Zach Bogosian (D)
Brayden Point (C)
Alex Killorn (LW)
Brayden Point (C)
Erik Cernak (D)
Nikita Kucherov (RW)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Pelech (D) | Out Thurs | Undisclosed - 17 / 09 / 20 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Pelech will not dress for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final against the Lightning due to an unspecified ailment. |
|||||
| Cal Clutterbuck (RW) | Ques Thurs | Undisclosed - 16 / 09 / 20 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Clutterbuck is dealing with an unspecified injury, and it is unclear if he will be available against the Lightning in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final. |
|||||
| Tom Kuhnhackl (RW) | out for season | Undisclosed - 13 / 09 / 20 | 2-1 | 1-1-1 | + - |
|
Kuhnhackl has exited the bubble due to an undefined injury, and he will not return this season. |
|||||
| Casey Cizikas (C) | out for season | Upper Body - 11 / 09 / 20 | 3-1 | 1-2-1 | + - |
|
Cizikas is away from the team with an upper-body injury and will sit out the remainder of the season. |
|||||
| Cal Clutterbuck (RW) | Ques Wed | Lower Body - 07 / 09 / 20 | 4-2 | 2-3-1 | + - |
|
Clutterbuck has a lower-body injury, and it is unclear if he will play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final against the Lightning. |
|||||
| Cal Clutterbuck (RW) | Prob Mon | Lower Body - 18 / 08 / 20 | 9-6 | 5-7-3 | + - |
|
Clutterbuck is nursing a lower-body injury, but it is not expected to impede his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Flyers. |
|||||
| Johnny Boychuk (D) | Out indefinitely | Head - 01 / 08 / 20 | 13-8 | 9-8-4 | + - |
|
Boychuk suffered a concussion, and there are no indications about how long it will take him to pass the league's protocol. |
|||||
| Leo Komarov (RW) | Ques Fri | Face - 13 / 07 / 20 | 14-8 | 10-8-4 | + - |
|
Komarov has a facial injury, and it is unclear if he will play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference qualifying round versus the Panthers. |
|||||
| Josh Bailey (RW) | day-to-day | Undisclosed - 11 / 03 / 20 | 14-9 | 10-9-4 | + - |
|
Bailey is tending to an unspecified injury, but it is likely he will play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference qualifying round versus the Panthers. |
|||||
| Thomas Hickey (D) | day-to-day | Personal - 10 / 03 / 20 | 14-9 | 10-9-4 | + - |
|
Hickey was away from the team tending to a personal matter, and it is yet to be determined if he will take part in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference qualifying round against the Panthers. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Schenn (D) | Ques Wed | Undisclosed - 26 / 09 / 20 | 0-2 | 1-0-1 | + - |
|
Schenn is bothered by an unspecified ailment, and it is unclear if it will impede his status for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final versus the Stars. |
|||||
| Steven Stamkos (C) | out for season | Undisclosed - 23 / 09 / 20 | 1-3 | 2-0-2 | + - |
|
Stamkos is nursing an unspecified injury, and he will not play again this season. |
|||||
| Erik Cernak (D) | Ques Wed | Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20 | 1-4 | 2-0-3 | + - |
|
Cernak is managing an unknown injury, and it remains to be seen if he will lace up for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final versus the Stars. |
|||||
| Luke Schenn (D) | Ques Wed | Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20 | 1-4 | 2-0-3 | + - |
|
Schenn is battling an injury to an unlisted area, and it is uncertain if he will suit up for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final versus the Stars. |
|||||
| Zach Bogosian (D) | Prob Mon | Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20 | 1-4 | 2-0-3 | + - |
|
Bogoosian is dealing with an undefined injury, but he is likely to take on the Stars in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final. |
|||||
| Brayden Point (C) | Ques Thurs | Undisclosed - 13 / 09 / 20 | 2-7 | 3-2-4 | + - |
|
Point has an undefined injury, and it is unknown if he will play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Islanders. |
|||||
| Alex Killorn (LW) | Elig Sun | Suspension - 10 / 09 / 20 | 2-8 | 3-3-4 | + - |
|
Killorn has been suspended one game for boarding, but he is expected to suit up for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round against the Islanders. |
|||||
| Brayden Point (C) | Ques Sun | Undisclosed - 09 / 09 / 20 | 3-8 | 4-3-4 | + - |
|
Point is dealing with an unspecified injury, and it is uncertain if he will play against the Islanders in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round. |
|||||
| Erik Cernak (D) | day-to-day | Undisclosed - 07 / 09 / 20 | 3-9 | 4-4-4 | + - |
|
Cernak exited Monday's game due to an unspecified injury, and it is uncertain if he will return. |
|||||
| Nikita Kucherov (RW) | Prob Mon | Face - 31 / 08 / 20 | 4-9 | 4-5-4 | + - |
|
Kucherov has a facial injury, but he is expected to draw back into the lineup in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Islanders. |
|||||
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NEW YORK ISLANDERS
3 -
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
5
Score
Prediction
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 6 Sep 1:06pm NYI -1.5 +171 O +5 -115 Closing 7 Sep 11:46pm NYI -1.5 +158 O +5 -126 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Islanders Team Leaders
Points 60
+ / - 12
Shots 195
Penalty Mins 78
Wins 19
GAA 2.62
Points 85
+ / - 28
Shots 210
Penalty Mins 71
Wins 35
GAA 2.56
Points 20
+ / - 12
Shots 72
Penalty Mins 28
Wins 11
GAA 2.02
Points 34
+ / - 15
Shots 92
Penalty Mins 32
Wins 18
GAA 1.9
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Lightning Team Leaders
Points 60
+ / - 12
Shots 195
Penalty Mins 78
Wins 19
GAA 2.62
Points 85
+ / - 28
Shots 210
Penalty Mins 71
Wins 35
GAA 2.56
Points 20
+ / - 12
Shots 72
Penalty Mins 28
Wins 11
GAA 2.02
Points 34
+ / - 15
Shots 92
Penalty Mins 32
Wins 18
GAA 1.9
-
Injuries
Adam Pelech (D)
Out Thurs Undisclosed - 17 / 09 / 20Cal Clutterbuck (RW)
Ques Thurs Undisclosed - 16 / 09 / 20Tom Kuhnhackl (RW)
out for season Undisclosed - 13 / 09 / 20Casey Cizikas (C)
out for season Upper Body - 11 / 09 / 20Cal Clutterbuck (RW)
Ques Wed Lower Body - 07 / 09 / 20Cal Clutterbuck (RW)
Prob Mon Lower Body - 18 / 08 / 20Johnny Boychuk (D)
Out indefinitely Head - 01 / 08 / 20Leo Komarov (RW)
Ques Fri Face - 13 / 07 / 20Josh Bailey (RW)
day-to-day Undisclosed - 11 / 03 / 20Thomas Hickey (D)
day-to-day Personal - 10 / 03 / 20Luke Schenn (D)
Ques Wed Undisclosed - 26 / 09 / 20Steven Stamkos (C)
out for season Undisclosed - 23 / 09 / 20Erik Cernak (D)
Ques Wed Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20Luke Schenn (D)
Ques Wed Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20Zach Bogosian (D)
Prob Mon Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20Brayden Point (C)
Ques Thurs Undisclosed - 13 / 09 / 20Alex Killorn (LW)
Elig Sun Suspension - 10 / 09 / 20Brayden Point (C)
Ques Sun Undisclosed - 09 / 09 / 20Erik Cernak (D)
day-to-day Undisclosed - 07 / 09 / 20Nikita Kucherov (RW)
Prob Mon Face - 31 / 08 / 20Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Adam Pelech (D) Out Thurs Undisclosed - 17 / 09 / 20 1-0 0-1 + - Pelech will not dress for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final against the Lightning due to an unspecified ailment.
Cal Clutterbuck (RW) Ques Thurs Undisclosed - 16 / 09 / 20 1-0 0-1 + - Clutterbuck is dealing with an unspecified injury, and it is unclear if he will be available against the Lightning in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final.
Tom Kuhnhackl (RW) out for season Undisclosed - 13 / 09 / 20 2-1 1-1-1 + - Kuhnhackl has exited the bubble due to an undefined injury, and he will not return this season.
Casey Cizikas (C) out for season Upper Body - 11 / 09 / 20 3-1 1-2-1 + - Cizikas is away from the team with an upper-body injury and will sit out the remainder of the season.
Cal Clutterbuck (RW) Ques Wed Lower Body - 07 / 09 / 20 4-2 2-3-1 + - Clutterbuck has a lower-body injury, and it is unclear if he will play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final against the Lightning.
Cal Clutterbuck (RW) Prob Mon Lower Body - 18 / 08 / 20 9-6 5-7-3 + - Clutterbuck is nursing a lower-body injury, but it is not expected to impede his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Flyers.
Johnny Boychuk (D) Out indefinitely Head - 01 / 08 / 20 13-8 9-8-4 + - Boychuk suffered a concussion, and there are no indications about how long it will take him to pass the league's protocol.
Leo Komarov (RW) Ques Fri Face - 13 / 07 / 20 14-8 10-8-4 + - Komarov has a facial injury, and it is unclear if he will play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference qualifying round versus the Panthers.
Josh Bailey (RW) day-to-day Undisclosed - 11 / 03 / 20 14-9 10-9-4 + - Bailey is tending to an unspecified injury, but it is likely he will play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference qualifying round versus the Panthers.
Thomas Hickey (D) day-to-day Personal - 10 / 03 / 20 14-9 10-9-4 + - Hickey was away from the team tending to a personal matter, and it is yet to be determined if he will take part in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference qualifying round against the Panthers.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Luke Schenn (D) Ques Wed Undisclosed - 26 / 09 / 20 0-2 1-0-1 + - Schenn is bothered by an unspecified ailment, and it is unclear if it will impede his status for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final versus the Stars.
Steven Stamkos (C) out for season Undisclosed - 23 / 09 / 20 1-3 2-0-2 + - Stamkos is nursing an unspecified injury, and he will not play again this season.
Erik Cernak (D) Ques Wed Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20 1-4 2-0-3 + - Cernak is managing an unknown injury, and it remains to be seen if he will lace up for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final versus the Stars.
Luke Schenn (D) Ques Wed Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20 1-4 2-0-3 + - Schenn is battling an injury to an unlisted area, and it is uncertain if he will suit up for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final versus the Stars.
Zach Bogosian (D) Prob Mon Undisclosed - 21 / 09 / 20 1-4 2-0-3 + - Bogoosian is dealing with an undefined injury, but he is likely to take on the Stars in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final.
Brayden Point (C) Ques Thurs Undisclosed - 13 / 09 / 20 2-7 3-2-4 + - Point has an undefined injury, and it is unknown if he will play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Islanders.
Alex Killorn (LW) Elig Sun Suspension - 10 / 09 / 20 2-8 3-3-4 + - Killorn has been suspended one game for boarding, but he is expected to suit up for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round against the Islanders.
Brayden Point (C) Ques Sun Undisclosed - 09 / 09 / 20 3-8 4-3-4 + - Point is dealing with an unspecified injury, and it is uncertain if he will play against the Islanders in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round.
Erik Cernak (D) day-to-day Undisclosed - 07 / 09 / 20 3-9 4-4-4 + - Cernak exited Monday's game due to an unspecified injury, and it is uncertain if he will return.
Nikita Kucherov (RW) Prob Mon Face - 31 / 08 / 20 4-9 4-5-4 + - Kucherov has a facial injury, but he is expected to draw back into the lineup in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Islanders.