Islanders 2 - 0 Lightning
Final
  for this game

Nabokov, Islanders ground Bolts

Mar 15, 2013 - 3:03 AM Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Evgeni Nabokov posted 18 saves for his second shutout of the season as the New York Islanders took a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Brad Boyes had a goal and an assist while John Tavares notched the other goal for the Islanders, who have won four of their last six games.

"Our guys have matured," said New York head coach Jack Capuano. "They're aware of the little things you have to do, the difference between winning and losing."

Anders Lindback gave up just one goal on 28 shots for the Lightning, who have dropped eight of their past 10 games.

"We just can't buy a goal lately," said Tampa Bay head coach Guy Boucher. "It wasn't our defense that hurt us tonight, at all. We just have to find a way to bury our chances."

Before the game, Tampa placed forward Vincent Lecavalier on injured reserve as he has a lower-body injury sustained in Tuesday's game against Florida.

After a scoreless first period, the Islanders took a 1-0 lead on the power play at the 10:22 mark of the second. Mark Streit blasted a shot from the high slot that was deflected by Brad Boyes, but it never made it to the net. However, the puck wound up on the stick of Matt Moulson and he dished it over to the low left side where Tavares had an easy tap-in for his 17th goal of the season.

A Frans Nielsen holding call gave the Lightning a power play with 8:29 to play in the third, but Nabokov made the lead hold as he stopped a tip on net by Ryan Malone and a shot from Teddy Purcell during the advantage.

Boyes iced the game with an empty-net goal inside the final minute.

Game Notes

Tampa recalled forward Tyler Johnson from Syracuse of the American Hockey League to take Lecavalier's spot on the roster ... The Islanders play in Florida on Saturday ... Tampa hosts Carolina on Saturday ... New York has won both matchups with the Lightning this season ... Nabokov has 54 shutouts in his career.






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