Tampa Bay is down two of its most important players, faces what should be an aroused Islanders club and has a bad road history against the Islanders.

Not only is Tampa Bay without injured defenseman Anton Stralman, but it found out now that captain and leading scorer Steven Stamkos is out up to three months after a blood clot was found near his right collarbone. Certainly not good news to hear heading out on a four-game road trip. The Lightning are on the verge of clinching a playoff berth - needing just one win or an overtime loss - but may not have their full mental focus here.

The Islanders are in bounce back mode after a 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. New York is 24-10-4 at home and has defeated the Lightning seven of the past eight times when hosting. The Islanders have incentive to finish third in the Metropolitan Division. The Islanders are 9-3 in their last 12 home contests.

Ben Bishop is having a Vezina Trophy-type season for Tampa Bay, but he's given up seven goals in two games against the Islanders this season.