Preview

ELMONT PARK, N.Y. (Interstat) — The surging Tampa Bay Lightning will look to extend their winning streak when they visit the inconsistent New York Islanders on Tuesday night at UBS Arena. The Lightning (16-9-0) have won seven of their last eight games, including a convincing 4-1 road victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. Tampa Bay’s top line of Nikita Kucherov, who had three assists in that game, and Brandon Hagel, who scored two goals, has been driving the offense. The team has averaged over four goals per game during this successful stretch. Conversely, the Islanders (13-13-0) are seeking stability after dropping their last two contests. They fell 4-1 to the Washington Capitals on Sunday, a game in which they managed only 16 shots on goal. New York has alternated wins and losses frequently over the past month, struggling to build momentum. This matchup kicks off a home-and-home series between the clubs, who will meet again in Tampa on Saturday. The Lightning’s potent attack, which has scored 33 goals in its last eight games, will test an Islanders team that has been held to one goal in three of its last five outings. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.