Expert recap and game analysis of the New York Islanders vs. Tampa Bay NHL game from 13 December 2025 on ESPN (UK).

A veteran core, a wave of opportunity, and a coach who knows exactly how to balance both as Jon Cooper explains what really drives the Tampa Bay Lightning's chemistry.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders meet Saturday at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, with puck drop set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman faces elbow surgery Monday, sidelining him until February 2026. Despite this setback, he's expected to be ready for Sweden's Olympic team. Hedman, a decorated defenseman,

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Victor Hedman is set to undergo elbow surgery on Monday, sidelining the Tampa Bay Lightning's captain until February but paving the way for the hulking defenseman to play for Sweden at the upcoming Olympics in Milan.

The Lightning will be very glad they don’t have to face Ilya Sorokin again this season. Just a week after Sorokin shut them out at Tampa Bay, the Islanders’ star netminder carried his team to a third win over the Lightning in as many tries on Saturday.

The Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Montreal Canadiens, as the Atlantic Division foes tangle north of the border Tuesday.

The Lightning might be sliding a little bit, having dropped each of their past three games. However, thanks to a seven-game win streak that just before this most recent stretch, Tampa sits atop the Atlantic Division, just ahead of the Boston Bruins.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will play the New Jersey Devils on December 11, 2025. The game starts at 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Fubo. Both teams are looking to improve their Eastern Conference standings.