NY Islanders vs. Lightning Game Preview: Goaltending Battle and Playoff Implications

The New York Islanders (23-20-7) continue their push toward the playoffs as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (27-20-3) Saturday night at Amalie Arena. This matchup features two teams fighting for positioning, as the Isles, winners of six straight and seven of 10, trail the Lightning by four points for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Islanders’ Recent Form

The Islanders enter this contest riding a wave of momentum, having found success in recent weeks thanks to improved defensive play and strong goaltending. Ilya Sorokin has been a rock in net, delivering stellar performances throughout January, while the team’s penalty kill has tightened up at a crucial time. With key contributions from Brock Nelson, Mathew Barzal, and captain Anders Lee, the Islanders’ offense has been finding ways to produce in clutch moments.

Lightning’s Outlook

Tampa Bay remains a dangerous opponent despite some inconsistency this season. Led by superstar Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, the Lightning possess one of the league’s most lethal offenses. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy remains a game-changer and historically strong against the Isles. Vasilevskiy has the second-best save percentage (.937%) against the Isles in NHL history among goalies who have started at least 10 games against the franchise.

Keys to the Game

• Special Teams Battle: The Lightning’s power play can be lethal, so the Islanders must stay out of the penalty box and continue their recent penalty-killing success.
• Goaltending Duel: Sorokin and Vasilevskiy are two of the best in the business, meaning this game could come down to which netminder delivers in key moments.
• Defensive Matchups: The Islanders’ blue line must contain Tampa Bay’s top forwards while finding ways to contribute offensively.

This is the first match up between the two teams this season. Last year, the Isles went 1-2-0 in three games and have only won two of their last 10 regular season games versus Tampa. They've struggled in Tampa, losing five straight and haven't won there in the regular season since 2019.