New York Islanders Daily: Huge Return vs Lightning

The New York Islanders return from their All-Star break and week off. For the first time in 10 days, the Islanders will have a game.

It’s been a very long time since the New York Islanders played a game. Tuesday, January 22, feels like years ago but finally, the Islanders are back in action tonight against the best team in the league.

In 50 games, the Tampa Bay Lightning have 76 points, a pace of 125 points over a full 82 game season. Despite the Lightning’s dominance, the Isles have actually played them pretty strong this year.

In their first matchup, on the road, the Islanders lost 4-2. The game was tied at two until a boneheaded mistake by the Isles allowed a goal to Tyler Johnson with just 1:26 left in the game. A Steven Stamkos empty net goal would make it a 4-2 final.

Then, the next time they played the Isles dominated the best offense in the league by holding them to just one goal. The lone goal came from Ryan McDonagh but that was after the Isles already had a 4-0 lead. The final would be 5-1.

So with the Islanders in first place by three points, With the Capitals and Penguins in action tonight the Isles would like to grow their lead instead of have it shrink to potentially just one point.

They have a huge test tonight, and will likely start slow after not playing in over a week. Points really begin to matter on an every night basis now.

Isles Tweet of the Day

Our Stuff

Editorials: Devon Toews is back and ready to stay in NHL

The New York Islanders recalled defenseman Devon Toews and forward Michael Dal Colle from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers today. That should be the last time Toews returns to the AHL.

Editorials: Best goal differential in the Metro

The New York Islanders had a surprisingly successful first half.  They have played a disciplined structure defensively and it has yielded a complete 180 from last season.