“It was a big win for us obviously, but 8-0, 2-1, 3-1, it’s still one game,” Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman said.
The Islanders could potentially be playing their final game at Nassau Coliseum, their home from 1972-2015 and again for much of the past three seasons.
“We’ve just got to bring our best effort,” Islanders forward Matt Martin said.
Mathew Barzal, the Islanders’ most dangerous offensive player is available after the center was not suspended by the NHL Department of Player Safety for his cross-check on Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta at the end of the second period in Game 5.
“Having ‘Barzy’ in the lineup tonight is huge,” New York defenseman Nick Leddy said.
Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is having another dominant postseason; he leads the NHL in save percentage with Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price, and is fourth with a 2.05 goals-against average.
“‘Vasy’ is a huge part of our team; he’s the backbone,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.
The team that scores first has won each of the first five games in this series, but the Islanders could use the first goal for morale after the 8-0 loss in Game 5.
Rutta, who was unavailable for the third period Monday, did not participate in the optional morning skate.
By using NHL websites or other online services, you consent to the practices described in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, including our Cookie Policy.
TV, NHL Premium, NHL After Dark, NHL GameCenter, NHL GameCenter LIVE, NHL Network name and logo, NHL Tonight name and logo, On The Fly, NHL Network Showdown name and logo, NHL Awards name and logo, NHL Draft name and logo, NHL Mascots, Hockey Fights Cancer, Because It’s The Cup, NHL Green name and logo, NHL Vault, Hockey Is For Everyone, NHL Thanksgiving Showdown name and logo, NHL Centennial Classic name and logo, NHL Centennial Season logo, NHL100 Classic name and logo, NHL Global Series name and logo, NHL China Games name and logo, NHL Power Players name and logo, NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe name and logo, and Don’t Miss A Moment are trademarks of the National Hockey League.