There are a few qualified phrases in sports that we’re all used to. “Ensuing kick off.” “Intentional walk.” “Commanding lead.”
Being up 2-1 in a series isn’t a “commanding lead,” but the Islanders are down after taking a huge dose of their own medicine from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Isles’ Game 3 loss at Nassau Coliseum should have felt pretty familiar; the crowd was loud, the slot was clogged and the forechecking was ferocious.
Oh, and the Islanders lost, which they have done in every Game 3 this post-season.
First Period: Measured but down early.