NHL Playoffs: 5 things we learned from Lightning beating Islanders

2. Tampa Bay can stand up to physical teams

There was no doubt the Lightning had the speed and skill to match any team heading into the playoffs. The question was how would they stand up to some of the more physical rosters in the NHL over a seven-game series.

The Lightning got the better of Detroit in a hate-filled First Round series on that front. However, the much bigger Islanders roster would be a step up in physicality, and they made it no secret they would try to use that advantage to counteract the Lightning’s speed entering the semifinals.

Tampa Bay met the challenge and then some over the five games. While the Islanders outhit Tampa Bay for much of the series, particularly in the last two games, the difference was not too great, thanks in large part to Boyle and Ryan Callahan.

In particular, the Lightning did a great job against the Islanders’ excellent fourth line, which features two of the most prolific hitters in the NHL in Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. New York got plenty of energy from that line throughout the series, but Tampa Bay was able to match the physicality to limit any damage.

That’s going to continue against Pittsburgh or Washington, so the Lightning will need to keep up the intensity. However, they have already proven they are a more well-rounded team than many realize.

Next: 1. Fully healthy or not, the Lightning are cup contenders