The Tampa Bay Lightning hit the road for two games in the Empire State. They'll take on the New York Islanders for the first time this season on Saturday and get a quick rematch against the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
On a three-game winning streak, they'll be tasked with keeping the momentum going away from home ice. Here are three questions heading into the road trip.
How will they fare against New York teams?
Originally, I was going to highlight success on the road after they improved in that regard last season. But focusing on their performance against this pair of teams made more sense, especially with how this season has already unfolded.
Last season, the Lightning finished 1-4-1 against the two New York teams. They've already been knocked around at Madison Square Garden this year, and they quickly have to go back.
Since that loss, they've gotten their act together, but it was in the friendly confines of Benchmark International Arena. Winning at home during the regular season is rarely an issue for the Lightning.
If they can get through this series with a win or even a road sweep, that would provide a sign that they're continuing to look even stronger.
The Rangers just saw Igor Shesterkin go down with what appears to be a major injury. I hate to lean into that, but it's obvious that will play a role. Regardless of the Rangers' team in front of their prized goalie, it usually comes down to him.
The Lightning can't let their guard down, but it will change the outlook of that game.
The Islanders have also looked really good at home to start the season. They've scored 10 goals in two games at home compared to three goals in two games on the road. The Islanders also allowed one goal at home compared to seven on the road.
Ilya Sorokin has also been off to a hot start. We'll see how the Lightning respond.
Can the power play keep getting back on track?
Part of the course correction that's happened earlier in the season is the shakeup of the power-play lines, including using two defensemen on the PP1. In Thursday's win over the Minnesota Wild, it paid off quickly with a power-play goal by John Carlson. That goal proved to be the difference in a 3-2 final.
They go 1-for-3 more often than not, and they'll do better than nearly any team in the NHL. However, this goal with the man advantage is their lone goal in that situation so far this season.
Success on the power play will likely go hand in hand with success against the New York teams.
Which remaining scoreless defensemen will get their first point?
Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and JJ Moser are the three defensemen who have played in all four games and haven't found their way onto the score sheet. It's not a huge deal. None of them are expected to be huge scorers, and they've been doing their job just fine on defense.
Still, it's worth raising the question. We can even have more fun with it by asking whether it will be a goal or an assist that gets any of them their first point of the season.
For Hedman in particular, there will be something special about him getting that first goal. He only had one in 33 games last season. Before that, he averaged 12 per season. Knowing the circumstances in which he had to step away, seeing him put one to the back of the net will be something many will love to see.
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