Islanders' Playoff Hopes Dim After Loss to Lightning

The New York Islanders are facing a challenging situation as they struggle to secure a spot in the playoffs with a five-game losing streak, currently sitting three points behind the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. Their recent defeats include a 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where despite a valiant third-period effort, they couldn't overturn a four-goal deficit. Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point were standout performers for the Lightning, helping secure their victory against the Islanders with multiple goals. As the Islanders prepare to face the Lightning again, they must overcome their current form to keep their playoff hopes alive.