The Islanders pride themselves on their four-lines-deep balance, and it is not just lip service. It has been a vital feature of their recent success.
But there are times when stars must shine, usually in deep playoff runs and, well, that has become a dire problem for the Islanders in the Eastern Conference finals against the Lightning.
That is because Tampa Bay’s top line has won the production battle with its Islanders counterpart in a blowout, which has played a key role in the Lightning’s 3-1 series lead.
After the latest example, in a 4-1 loss in Game 4 on Sunday, coach Barry Trotz did not sugarcoat the issue.