Not that the New York Islanders are happy to see the Tampa Bay Lightning leave town, but the players probably helped carry the Bolts’ luggage to the bus.
The Islanders were clobbered for the third time in 14 days against Tampa Bay on Monday night, losing a 4-0 decision. In the three games, the Lightning outscored New York 14-2.
“It’s just one of those things, you get on a roll against a team and you hope you can keep it going,” Lightning Coach Jon Cooper said. “I’ve been on both sides of this. It’s tough when you’re on the other side.”
Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made the four goals more than enough, as he stopped 34 shots for the team’s first shutout of the year. In his last two games, Vasilevskiy has allowed one goal on 66 shots.
For the Lightning, Tampa Bay got goals from J.T. Brown, Ryan Callahan, Nikita Kucherov, and Vlad Namestnikov. The first two goals came within 42 seconds in the first period.
It was a good start for the Lightning in their five-game road trip. Tampa Bay continues that with a game against Detroit today.
