The Tampa Bay Lightning met the New York Islanders for only the second time this season and like the first meeting, could not walk away with a point. 

Despite the combined 19 shots in the first period (13 islanders, 6 Lightning), the first 20 minutes were relatively uneventful with neither club having a solid scoring chance, or committing a penalty. Five of the six shots by the Bolts were taken by three players on the same shift - Ryan Malone (2), Nate Thompson (2), and BJ Crombeen. With captain Vinny Lecavalier out indefinitely with a lower body injury, these three players made up the starting first line. 

9:55 into the second period, Alex Killorn was sent to the box for slashing, although it was a weak call, he did knock the stick out of a New York player's hand forcing the whistle. 27 seconds later, John Tavares found some space at the side of the net and got the puck past Anders Lindback to put the vistors ahead 1-0.

The Lightning defensemen and Lindback played exceptionally well in the final two periods, but with the absence of the captain, the offense was sluggigh and out of sync through most of the game. 

With just about a minute left in regulation, head coach Guy Boucher opted to pull Lindback in favor of sending an extra skater onto the ice, but with 39.4 seconds remaining, Brad Boyes sent the puck down the ice for the empty-netter to seal the deal for the Islanders. 

Steven Stamkos, who leads the NHL with 20 goals led his team with three shots and Lindback walked away with 27 saves on 28 shots.

If anything, the Lightning were consistent in their shot-making, finishing the game with 18 total, six per period.

Next up, the Bolts host the Hurricanes Saturday night at 7pm.