New York Islanders Hit The Road To Face Lightning 2
May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Brian Boyle (11) holds back New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) away from Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

John Tavares and the New York Islanders head to Tampa to take on Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

  • New York Islanders (5-6-2, 12 pts)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (7-5-1, 13 pts)
  • NHL, Thursday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG+
  • Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

After a 6-1 blowout loss at the hand of the Tampa Bay Lightning to kick off November, the New York Islanders seek a rematch nine days later. They have spent the past 10 of 13 games at home.

Hitting The Road

In the first 10 home games of the season, the Islanders stumbled off to an awkward start. They are 5-3-2 in their first 10 home games and haven’t played two consecutive road games yet this season. With Tampa upcoming later today, and the Panthers on Saturday that will change.

A road trip would benefit the Islanders who are looking to snap a mediocre funk that has lingered. The momentum gained in Monday night’s victory against the Vancouver Canucks will certainly help.

Newcomers Jason Chimera and Andrew Ladd scored their first goals of the season Monday night against Vancouver. With their first tallies out of the way a substantial amount of pressure has been alleviated, they’re hoping they can start getting more find the back of the net.

Chimera feels good about the road trip, saying:

“I love my family to death, but it’s nice to go on the road and spend some time with your teammates that you don’t know, especially a new guy like me coming in here you want to get some time, dinner with them and get to know them a bit better. That helps build team chemistry too.”

The Islanders play the Lightning tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET in Tampa, Florida.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.