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Mike Schultz
New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay Lighting Odds: Stanley Cup Playoffs
The New York Islanders haven’t made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 1993, finding themselves in unfamiliar territory after defeating the Florida Panthers in six games in the opening round. New York will face last year’s Eastern Conference champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in what is sure to be an interesting series between the gritty Islanders and the fast-striking Lightning. The Islanders have the Cinderella story vibe this season as many did not expect them to sneak past the Panthers. With Tampa Bay struggling with injuries, they’re primed to strike while the iron is hot.
Game 1 odds currently have the Lightning as -150 favorites.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders
Series Winner Odds:Lightning -172
Home Team Advantage: Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are banged up heading into the second round, but have had a few days to rest after eliminating the Detroit Red Wings last week. Tampa Bay is without their top scorer Steven Stamkos and a recent bout of the flu has ravaged the locker room, taking depth and playoff experience away from the defending Eastern Conference champs. Goaltender Ben Bishop will need to continue his stellar play after stopping 152 of 160 shots against Detroit in the first round. The Lightning have the edge when it comes to playoff experience, but could have trouble holding off a determined Islanders team.
New York Islanders
Team captain John Tavares willed the Islanders to three overtime wins against the Panthers, notching five goals and four assists for a total of nine points in the first round. He’ll need to continue being the best player on the ice for the Islanders if they hope to advance. Netminder Thomas Greiss will be a big factor in New York’s success when facing a team as offensively gifted as the Lightning. He’ll need to limit the amount of second chances he gives Tampa Bay off of rebounds or it could get ugly. The Islanders have been playing inspired hockey and are facing an ailing Tampa team that’s running out of gas.
Prediction: Islanders in 7
