Fri 06/05/2016 - 11:23 EDT

NHL Playoff Pre-Game Analysis

NHL Playoff Pre-Game Analysis

After squandering a 4-3 lead in the last minute of regulation and losing 5-4 in overtime to the Tampa Bay Lightning, will the New York Islanders be motivated to rally on home ice and tie this series 2-2?

NHL Playoff Prediction & Moneyline Odds

By Bob Duff

Tampa Bay Lightning (-102) at New York Islanders (+270)

pulock 

With two days to stew over their 5-4 overtime loss to the Lightning in Game 3, a game they were 38.4 seconds away from winning, the Islanders may be getting good news for Game 4. Defenceman Ryan Pulock, out the past five games with an upper body injury suffered in Game 4 of their first-round series with the Florida Panthers, skated Thursday and could return to the lineup. Armed with a 100 MPH slapshot, Pulock, who has 1-2-3 totals in the playoffs, could boost an Islanders power play that was 1-for-4 in Game 3 and is 3-for-13 in the series.

Tampa Bay also got good news on the injury front. Defenceman Matthew Carle (undisclosed injury) practiced Thursday paired with Slater Koekkoek and looked ready to return, as did forward J. T. Brown (upper body) and Erik Condra (upper body). Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov leads the playoffs with seven goals and his 18 career playoff goals are tied for third in franchise history. Kucherov has 33 ponts in 36 career Stanley Cup games. Defenceman Victor Hedman logged 30:15 of ice time in Game 3 and tied a franchise record for defenders with a three-point night.

Islanders forward Josh Bailey scored twice in Game 3 after returning from a three-game upper body injury absence. They were his first goals in 22 games going back to the regular season. Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (groin) contines to practice but won't dress as backup to Thomas Greiss for Game 4. Tampay Bay captain Steven Stamkos (blood clot) and defenceman Anton Stralman (fractured fibula) also remain out. Islanders defenceman Thomas Hickey and Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin, who both absorbed punishing hits in Game 3, are healthy and good to go.

Pick: The Islanders (+270) 

 

Category : News

More articles...
News - 11/04/25
Jaron Ennis is a Big Favorite to Beat Eimantas Stanionis in Their Boxing Bout 

What: Jaron Ennis vs. Eimantas Stanionis boxing bout Where: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey When: Saturday, April 12 at 10 p.m. ET How to watch: DAZN Who's ready for an exciting matchup inside of the ring this weekend? Come Saturday night, there's an exciting matchup on the way between Jaron Ennis […]

News - 10/04/25
Scottie Scheffler is a Small Favorite to Win The Masters in 2025 

What: The Masters When: April 10-13 Where: Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia How to watch: CBS Arguably the biggest and best golf tournament of the year is here. That's right, we're talking about The Masters, an event that golf fans can't wait to arrive every spring. Already, the course at Augusta is filled with people […]

News - 09/04/25
Best UFC 314 Bets: Diego Lopes vs. Alexander Volkanovksi Picks 

What: UFC 314 When: Saturday, April 12 at 9 p.m. ET Where: Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida How to watch: PPV event The wait is almost over for UFC fans everywhere. As you already know, UFC 314 is almost here and there's a full schedule of primetime fights on the way for people to enjoy. […]

News - 08/04/25
Cam Ward is the Overwhelming Favorite to go No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft 

What: 2025 NFL Draft Where: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin When: April 24-26 How to watch: ESPN The calendar may read April, but there's no question that sports fans across the world have football on their mind. Wait, what? That's right, the NFL Draft is sneaking up on us and countless superstars are ready […]