Tampa Bay Lightning (44-19-5) vs New York Islanders (41-20-8)
Game Info: Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 8:00 pm (Amalie Arena)
Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Lightning -185 / New York Islanders +149 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The New York Islanders will stay on the road to face the Tampa Bay Lightning for game 2 of their semifinal matchup in the NHL playoffs. The Islanders took the first game 2-1 in Tampa Bay.
The Islanders won their fourth straight game to open this series. It was a tightly contested game, with both teams tallying 31 shots. Matthew Barzel and Ryan Pulock scored for New York, each scoring their fourth goal of the postseason. Brock Nelson leads the team with 6 postseason goals, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau leads with 10 assists and 13 points. Semyon Varlamov had another solid performance in net for the Islanders last time out, stopping 30 of 31 shots en route to his 4th straight win. Overall, he has allowed 2.43 goals per game with a .930 save percentage in the postseason. The Islanders offense has been consistent on the road this postseason, ranking fourth in goals scored with 3.00 per game as well as Power Play percentage at 33%; they were 0-4 on the power play in their game one win.
Tampa Bay will look to get revenge after falling short in the last game. It was a frustrating loss as they could not convert on the offensive end until their third power play chance when there was only 1 minute remaining in the game. They attempted 31 shots, just over their postseason average, however, could not find the net against a physical Islanders defense. Braydon Point netted their only goal, his ninth of the postseason which leads the team. Nikita Kucherov got an assist for his team leading 14th of the playoffs. Andrei Vasilevskiy got the start in net and stopped 29 of 31 shots. He has allowed 2.23 goals per game with a .934 save percentage this postseason. Tampa Bay has averaged 4 goals per game at home in the playoffs, while allowing 2.83 to the opposition through 6 games.
New York is 16-15-4 on the road this season, 40-29 ATS, and the under is 37-28.
Tampa Bay is 24-8-2 at home this season, 31-37 ATS, and the under is 34-31.
New York set the tone defensively in game 1, limiting the Lightning’s scoring chances and riding a great performance in net from Varlamov. The Lightning played tough but could not get their offense going until it was too late. I would expect much of the same in this one. The Islanders are rolling and have allowed just 2 goals per game during their winning streak. You should not count out the Lightning at home, but I will take the plus money in what should be another close battle.