After a commanding 8-2 victory for the Tampa Bay Lightning over the New York Islanders in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, Game 2 is set to take place at 8:00 PM Eastern Time from the Edmonton bubble on NBCSN.

In Game 1, the Lightning were much better rested and prepared, and seemed to have the answer for everything the Islanders brought and then some. Thomas Greiss was pulled 10:46 into the first period after giving up three goals on nine shots, and was backed up by Semyon Varlamov, who stopped 20 of 25.

Tampa Bay did not back down, and sent a message in Game 1 that they were tough, skilled and more than ready to play the Islanders. The question is how New York will respond tonight, and time will only tell.

Three Keys To The Game

1. Who do the Islanders start in net?

Both Islanders goaltenders struggled immensely in Game 1 against the Lightning, as did the rest of the team. However, with both goaltenders having rough outings, it makes the decision a bit tougher for Barry Trotz for who to start in Game 2.

The Islanders have two solid options in Semyon Varlamov and Thomas Greiss, but consistency is key, and the Islanders have not gotten consistency in goal their last couple games.

Varlamov has played for the majority of the playoffs, but Greiss recorded a shutout in Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers and got the nod for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Trotz said to the media that he pulled Greiss to “change the narrative” of the game, and that both goaltenders couldn’t do much given the situation.

The Islanders’ head coach has stressed “playing the hot hand” between the pipes, which makes it seem as if Greiss could get the nod. However, Varlamov is far from out of the question, as Trotz likes to make changes right before gametime.

However, whoever plays has to rise to the occasion as this is a must-win for New York.

2. How do the Islanders respond/adjust?

After losing a game so dramatically, the Islanders can’t allow that to get to their heads, and just reset for Game 2.

While a loss of that caliber can be deflating, the best teams have to go through adversity and the Islanders will be put to the test in the intensity of their response.

Not only is it crucial for the Islanders that they come out swinging and physical, but that certain adjustments are made. For example, for two of the goals in the first period of Game 1, Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh were left wide open from the points and scored from essentially the same spot. Re-assessing defensive zone coverage can potentially limit Tampa’s scoring abilities.

While New York are certainly underdogs, if they find a way to win Game 2, that can change the dynamic of the series. With a 2-0 series lead, especially with one of the wins being by six goals, Tampa Bay would be in the drivers seat. With the series even, momentum would swing the other direction and it would be a battle to the finish.

The Islanders have a lot to change in a short amount of time, and how they refocus for Game 2 can be telling of how this series will end up. 

3. Tampa Bay can’t take their foot off the gas.

From the Lightning’s perspective, they can not take their foot off the gas pedal. They have to come out for Game 2 with the same intensity they did Game 1 as a rested and well-prepared Islander team can be dangerous.

By creating time and space, using the points, and playing physically, Tampa was one step faster to every puck in Game 1. They can’t back down and must keep this intensity up for Game 2, in all of their lines like they have, if they want to emerge victorious. 

However, John Cooper is an excellent coach and will more than likely have his team ready for Game 2.

The Lightning did not beat Columbus and Boston in five by accident; they made adjustments every game and never let up. With the Islanders playing in a must-win game, the Lightning have to keep it up if they want the 2-0 series lead.

John Smark