The New York Islanders felt they could hang with the NHL's top team and they proved it on Sunday night, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 at Barclays Center.
The Islanders used three quick strikes in the first period to build a 3-0 lead, while Thomas Greiss made 38 saves to protect it the rest of the way. The regulation loss was the Lightning's second in the last 21 games, so it was not overzealous to call Sunday a statement win by the Isles.
"I think there's certain games, or certain times during the year where you get an opponent that makes you believe, or cements what you're trying to do as a team and it sort of galvanizes you," Head Coach Barry Trotz said. "Or it gives you a more solid foundation. I think we've had a couple of those."
Recap: Islanders Strike Lightning with 5-1 Win
The Isles use three first period goals to score win over NHL's top team