This is a 10* TOP SUNDAY TOTAL on the UNDER Islanders/Lightning.

The last thing the Islanders can afford to do is to allow Tampa to control the pace.

That goes for Game 1, and throughout this entire series.

The only hope that the Islanders have in pulling off an upset in Game 1 (and this series), is to dominate on the defensive end and grind out victories in the corners and with relentless non-stop back-checking throughout.

These are two of the best defensive clubs in the league as well. Tampa has been successful the last few years because of its adapdability. It's able to open things up and score with the best of them, but it's also equally adept at playing a hard-hitting defensive battle.

And with a couple days off between series, I do think these offenses are going to come out with a bit of rust. I believe each team will wait patiently for the other to make the first mistake in Game 1.

Look for these two tough defensive teams to play to a lower-scoring UNDER in Game 1.

Good luck, NP