Islanders vs. Lightning: Odds, Keys to the Game, Lineups, TV and more

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Yanni Gourde #37 and Anthony Cirelli #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning are stopped by Thomas Greiss #1 of the New York Islanders during the second period at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on November 01, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Lightning 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Keys to the Game

Contain the Stamkos-Point-Kucherov Line

The line of Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov is on absolute fire. Both Stamkos and Kucherov have nine-game point streaks and this line is the catalyst for the red hot Lightning.

It will be interesting to see how the Isles line up against one of the top lines in hockey. Ideally, we would see the line of Martin-Cizikas-Komarov line up against Tampa’s top line, but on the road, the Islanders do not have the last change.

Whoever Tampa decides to match up their top line against, the Islanders must shut them down. If the Isles can keep this line at bay, they will have a great chance to win this game.

Special Teams

As mentioned in my preview last game, special teams can be the difference in a game. Tonight they can play a big factor in the result of this game.

The Lightning have one of the best powerplays in the league and for the Isles to have success they must stay out of the box.

As seen in both games against the Bolts this year, the Islanders have won the special teams battle. The Isles have combined for a perfect six for six on the penalty kill, including a short handed goal, and one for five on the powerplay against the Lightning.

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