NY Islanders seek to end losing streak against red-hot Lightning at UBS Arena

The smart move for the New York Islanders tonight would be not to wait until they are down 4-0 before mounting a comeback. The Isles return home on Tuesday night, aiming to end a three-game losing streak and a five-game winless stretch (0-3-2) as they host the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena. The Lighting topped the Isles 5-3 on Saturday afternoon, carrying a four-goal lead into the third period before holding off the Islanders comeback efforts.

The Islanders have allowed five or more goals in three straight games for the first time since 2022 after their 6-4 loss to Carolina on Sunday night with Marcus Hogberg in net. Head Coach Patrick Roy will send Ilya Sorokin back in the crease. The 29-year-old has started both games against Tampa this season and holds a 3-6-0 career record against them with a 3.48 GAA and .876 SV%.

Meanwhile, the Lightning enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak, having scored 19 goals over that span. With 91 points in 73 games, Tampa sits second in the Atlantic Division, three points behind Toronto and tied with Florida. The Lightning are 8-2-1 in the last 11 games between the teams

Anders Lee is on the verge of a franchise milestone, tied with Brent Sutter and Pat LaFontaine for sixth on the Islanders' all-time goals list. His next goal will put him in sole possession of sixth. Lee leads the team with 27 goals and is second in scoring (50 points) behind Bo Horvat (51). The Islanders' power play is something to watch for a change, as the unit has scored in consecutive games for the second time this season.

The Isles currently trail the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers by three points for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with nine games remaining.