Islanders race past Lightning in Game 1, grab 1-0 series lead

Tampa Bay came within one goal late, but the Islanders ultimatelyheld off the Lightningin Game 1 of their semi-final series Wednesday night at Amalie Arena, winning the game 5-3 and coming away with a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven semi-final series.

The Isles were actually down 1-0 early in the first period but then ripped off three-straight goals to close out the opening frame. Travis Harmonic beat Tampa Bay netminder Ben Bishop to notch New York’s first goal of the night and Shane Prince banged home the next two. The Islanders led, 3-1, heading into the second period and John Tavares’ power-play goal at the 8:59 mark of the second period put the visitors up, 4-1. It was Tavares’ sixth goal of the 2016 postseason.

The Lightning scored two goals in the third period but the Isles clinched it with an empty-netter.

Thomas Greiss continued his terrific postseason in net for New York, making 33 saves. in Game 1.

Game 2 is Saturday at Tampa Bay (3 p.m., NBC).