NHL Playoffs: What channel is Islanders vs. Lightning Game 1 on?

What channel will fans be able to watch Game 1 between the New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning?

On Wednesday April 27, the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning will start their second round series of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. New York will be trying to eliminate both of the NHL teams in Florida from the playoffs after eliminating the Florida Panthers in the first round. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay will be trying to make another magical run like they did last year.

Tampa will have their hands full against New York, especially since they will be without captain Steven Stamkos and will be without defenseman Anton Stralman for at least the first few games of the series. Even without Stamkos, the Lightning have impressive forward depth. Tampa Bay will rely on Nikita Kucherov, Jonathan Drouin, Tyler Johnson, and Alex Killorn to help make up for the loss of Stamkos.

They didn’t get much offense from their blue line in the first round, but don’t expect that to repeat itself in the second round. Victor Hedman could have a huge series. Ben Bishop will be their starting goaltender.

The New York Islanders will be led by John Tavares, who was outstanding against the Panthers. It will be his job to match whatever Kucherov does and it will be Kucherov’s job to match whatever Tavares does. That could be an interesting showdown. Thomas Greiss will be in goal for them.

He was outstanding against the Panthers, but as a largely unproven goalie (especially in the playoffs), it will be interesting to see if he can keep up his current pace against a team that is more explosive than the Panthers.

Game 1 between the Islanders and the Lightning will be aired nationally on NBC Sports Network. It can also be viewed via computer or smart phone on NBC Sports Live Extra.

For more coverage of the NHL Playoffs, make sure to check out our NHL hub page.