Kucherov and the Lightning take on New York to begin conference finals
New York Islanders (35-23-10, fifth in the Metropolitan Division during the regular season) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (43-21-6, second in the Atlantic Division during the regular season)
Edmonton, Alberta; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Tampa Bay and New York begin series
BOTTOM LINE: The Tampa Bay Lightning face the New York Islanders to open the Eastern Conference finals. The teams meet Monday for the fourth time this season. Tampa Bay went 2-1 against Tampa Bay during the regular season.
The Lightning are 28-12-3 in Eastern Conference games. Tampa Bay leads the Eastern Conference shooting 11.2% and averaging 3.5 goals on 31.1 shots per game.
The Islanders are 11-7-4 against opponents from the Metropolitan Division. New York has given up 34 power-play goals, killing 80.7% of opponent chances.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nikita Kucherov has 85 total points for the Lightning, 33 goals and 52 assists. Brayden Point has five goals and 10 assists over the last 10 games for Tampa Bay.
Brock Nelson leads the Islanders with 26 goals and has 54 points. Anders Lee has five goals over the last 10 games for New York.
DURING THE PLAYOFFS: Lightning: Averaging 3.0 goals, 5.5 assists, 4.8 penalties and 10.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.3 goals per game with a .931 save percentage.
Islanders: Averaging 3.4 goals, 5.2 assists, 3.5 penalties and 7.4 penalty minutes while giving up 1.9 goals per game with a .928 save percentage.
INJURIES: Lightning: Steven Stamkos: out (lower body).
Islanders: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by , and data from ,.
