TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The New York Islanders jumped out to a 1-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup semifinals, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 1.
The win at AMALIE Arena came on the shoulders of 30 saves from goaltender Semyon Varlamov, with goals from Mathew Barzal and Ryan Pulock.
The Bolts had started each of the first two series this postseason on the road, winning the first two games in each series. Now they start in the hole in the first series where they have home-ice advantage.
PHOTOS | TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VS NEW YORK ISLANDERS, GAME 1
New York got on the board first at the 12:32 mark of the second period and added another goal in the third period.
The Lightning goal came late during a 6 on 4 power play when goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was pulled for an extra skater.
The best-of-seven series continues in Tampa Tuesday night, and is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference final, which the Lightning won in six games.
“We dropped a few last year in the playoffs as well, including in the Final. We’re fine in this position,” Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos said.
