Fansided

NHL Playoffs: 5 things we learned from Lightning beating Islanders

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) looks on against the New York Islanders during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) looks on against the New York Islanders during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Don’t bet against Ben Bishop in elimination games

Bishop has been a force over the past two seasons, and is one of the main reasons the Lightning were able to down both the Islanders and Red Wings in just five games. Once again, Bishop saved his best performance for last, continuing a trend from the past two years.

The 29-year-old is likely the second choice for the Vezina Trophy after Braden Holtby, as he posted a .924 save percentage and NHL-best 2.06 goals against average in the regular season. Bishop continued that form in the First Round against Detroit, allowing eight goals total in the series.

New York looked to be in good shape after chasing Bishop with four early goals in Game 1, although there were a few defensive mistakes in front of him. However, Bishop would quickly bounce back with a great effort over the rest of the series against an Islanders offense that put plenty of pressure on at times.

In Game 5, Bishop denied any hope of an Islanders miracle with 25 saves for his second shutout of the postseason. That’s now the fourth time Bishop has turned in a shutout in a playoff game were Tampa Bay could advance over the past two years, including both postseasons against Detroit, and Game 7 against the Rangers in 2015.

Bishop has certainly established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the NHL, both in the regular season and playoffs, which makes Tampa Bay a dangerous team. The matchup between Bishop and either Holtby or Matt Murray will be one of the best goaltender battles of the playoffs.

Next: 3. Nikita Kucherov and Jonathan Drouin are the future

Home/NHL