After rolling through the Florida Panthers, dispatching the Washington Capitals in five games, and holding on by the hairs on their playoff-bearded chinny chin chins against the Philadelphia Flyers, it’s clear that the New York Islanders are no match for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning smashed the Islanders 8-2 in Game 1, which was almost expected. The Isles were due for a letdown after an emotionally and physically draining seven-game series against a tough Philly team. Toronto was done with the Boston Bruins in five games and had the luxury of rest before traveling to Edmonton for the Eastern Conference Finals.