New York Islanders Game 2: vs. The Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-3

The New York Islanders looked to skate away with huge romp after scoring four straight goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The problem was they stepped off the gas pedal and Tampa came roaring back with three unanswered goals in a space of what – eight minutes?

After Islanders head coach Jack Capuano called for time only then did New York find their verve again as they held off the Lightning for 4-3 win for a 1-1-0 record in this young NHL season.

Playing their second consecutive home game, Michael Grabner, Matt martin, Kyle Okposo, and David Ullstrom scored for New York. They outshot the visitors 45-26 but it took the goaltending of Evgeni Nabokov to help secure the first win. Nabokov stopped 23-26 shots for his first win of the year.

Tampa came roaring back and gave me ulcers when Martin St. Louis scored in the third period. Five minutes later, Benoit Pouliot somehow found the puck in the scrum in front of Nabokov to flick it in making it 4-2. That’s when the “uh oh” changed to “oh, crap”. When Steve Stamkos’ snap shot made it 4-3 who didn’t think this was going to be a meltdown of infamous proportions?

If there was ever a timely timeout then the one Capuano called after Tampa’s third straight goal was it. The Islanders buckled down from that point forward, reversing the momentum back in their favor.

What I liked was the Islanders aggression in front of the Lightning’s net that made it difficult for them to skate out on offense.

I though that New York’s defense in the first period where they fought off two Lightning power plays was huge! That makes them 5-5 in two games in penalty killings.

I like the line of Keith Aucoin, Colin McDonald and Ullstrom who combined for 11 shots on goal. The trio averaged 10:53 of ice time meaning they played well enough to stay in the game.

Now’s the tough part after the home stand – five games on an eight-day road trip. This reminds me of the last NBA season that was cut short by a strike. Lots of games with little rest. Hope no one gets seriously injured. As for this season, I, a long-suffering Islanders fan, hope too that things turn around. One thing at a time, a winning season as a send off to Nassau Veterans. I'm a little greedy in asking for a playoff slot. Go, Isles!

Next up – the Toronto Maple Leafs.

New York Islanders

Forwards: 26 Matt Moulson - 91 John Tavares - 21 Kyle Okposo - 40 Michael Grabner - 51 Frans Nielsen  - 24 Brad Boyes - 41 David Ullstrom - 10 Keith Aucoin - 13 Colin McDonald - 17 Matt Martin - 16 Marty Reasoner - 53 Casey Cizikas

Defensemen: 37 Brian Strait - 2 Mark Streit - 47 Andrew MacDonald - 3 Travis Hamonic - 52 Joe Finley - 7 Matt Carkner

Goaltenders: 20 Evgeni Nabokov - 39 Rick DiPietro