Missed opportunities cost Islanders in Game 2 loss to Lightning | NYHN+

Nikita Kucherov’s goal with 8.8 seconds left in the third period sealed the Tampa Bay Lightning’s win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final, but the New York Islanders arguably lost the game well before that strike.

A solid rebound effort after a demoralizing 8-2 Game 1 loss, the Islanders played a style they’re more accustomed to utilizing. However, a bevy of missed chances hurt them well before the back-breaking goal.

“Everybody will tell you, you have to be in the moment and you can’t worry about the results,” Barry Trotz said. “And yes, the results are what you’re judged on. But you have to focus on the process in what you’re doing in that moment.”