It’s always tough when the Islanders actually play well overall but can’t get a result. They opened the scoring, but Tampa dominated the first period. The game’s first (and nearly only) penalty of the night gave the Lightning the momentum needed to score two quick goals, something the Isles are far too comfortable giving up.
Andrei Vasilevsky was able to lock things down for Tampa once they had their lead, and despite two solid periods, the Isles just couldn’t get anything past him. It really felt like they deserved at least a point out of this game, but that’s the way it goes when the other team’s goalie plays great.