Sun Feb 02 07:10:00 IST 2025: ## Islanders Look to End Losing Streak Against Lightning in Tampa
**TAMPA, FL** – Riding a six-game winning streak, the New York Islanders (23-20-7) face a tough test Saturday night as they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (27-20-3) at Amalie Arena. The game marks the first of a back-to-back for the Islanders, who play the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
The Islanders enter the game fresh off a dominant 3-0 shutout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, fueled by goals from Simon Holmstrom, Marc Gatcomb (his first NHL goal), and Kyle Palmieri (ending a 14-game goal drought). Ilya Sorokin earned his third shutout of the season with 23 saves.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is coming off a 3-0 win of their own against the Los Angeles Kings, thanks to a three-point night from Brandon Hagel and a shorthanded empty-netter by Anthony Cirelli. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 28 shots in the victory.
Despite the Islanders’ recent success, they have a history of struggles against the Lightning, holding a 2-8-0 record in their last 10 matchups and losing their last five games in Tampa. Their last victory at Amalie Arena came on December 9, 2019.
Adding to the challenge, Anthony Duclair is expected to miss the game due to illness, though Pierre Engvall is expected to return to the lineup. Ilya Sorokin will start in net for the Islanders, while Andrei Vasilevskiy will defend the Lightning’s crease.
The Islanders received a boost Friday, claiming defenseman Adam Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers. This move comes as the Islanders find themselves three games over .500 for the first time this season, vying for a Wild Card spot in a tight Eastern Conference race. They currently sit four points behind both the Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The game promises a compelling matchup between two strong teams, with the Islanders looking to continue their hot streak and end their Tampa Bay woes. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.
First Piper 