NFT: Lightning at Islanders, R2G4, 7pm Game Thread

Last game was a definite "shoulda had". Clearly, the outcome reflected differently. Isles did some very good things, but need to put it in the rear view mirror and double down on their efforts tonight.

Lineup will be determined closer to gametime, but based on morning skate intel, looks like Strome in for Quine and Pulock in for Zid. Let's hope that pays dividends like the surprise Bailey reintroduction. With Strome back in, it's possible Brock Nelson may elevate to LW on L1 and Strome would center Prince and Bernier. It also seems for his comments that Cappy is no longer going to try and shelter Tavares against Hedman. He realizes the Isles are a four-line team and that's the recipe they need to maintain to win.

Since Johnny T was named a finalist for the Mark Messier Leadership Award, some quotes from the Cappy and The Captain heading into tonight's tilt:

Quote:

Cappy: “There are a lot of really great teams and a lot of really good leaders, and supporting casts in this league. But I’ve said it before: I don’t think there’s one player that means more to his team than 91 means to the Islanders. He’s been a great leader for us. It’s been a joy just watching him mature, year in, year out, and become the leader that he is.” JT (on the series and heading into tonight's matchup): “I think you just always want to raise your game, at any point in this time of year, whether you’re up or down. The next game is always the most important. Just try to focus on what’s bringing you success, and where you can be better, and just raising your game to another level. That’s not just me, I think that’s everybody in the room. We’re trying to feed off one another.” (On the Game 3 loss): “For sure you think about it a little bit, especially right after the game, but you’ve got to move on and think about tomorrow. That’s where everyone’s focus is. Everyone knows it’s done with, it happened, take the things we did well and correct the things we could do better.” (On Game 4): “I’m confident in our group. We’ve had our backs up against the wall many times over the last few years, especially this year, so we know it’s an important one. We put the last one behind us, time to move forward and we’ll be ready to play.”

And lest we forget how much of a team player JT is, here's something from Thomas Hickey that speaks to #91's unselfishness and leadership:

Quote:

Thomas Hickey isn’t surprised at his captain’s taking the blame. He relayed a moment from January 2015 after a 6-3 win over the Penguins to illustrate. “He was credited for an assist and he comes to me the next day and says, ‘I didn’t touch that puck; that’s your assist. I’m going to get it changed to you,’ ” Hickey said. “He ends up losing the scoring title by one point, right? He doesn’t care about himself. It’s about the team, and it’s little things like that that stand out. “The one word that sticks out to me is authentic . . . This is the person he is and the way he leads. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.”

Hoping the Bolts burned themselves out drinking Zimas and dropping some X at the Bieber concert they attended last night.

Let's Go Islanders!

He's not concerned with yesterday
He knows constant change is here today
He's noble enough to know what's right
But weak enough not to choose it
He's wise enough to win the world
But fool enough to lose it