The Lightning and Islanders will play an early-midday game at USB Arena.

The Lightning and Islanders will play an early puck drop on Saturday afternoon. After dropping their last three games at home, they both need and want to get back on track in their quest to make the playoffs.

The most obvious way to secure two points is to tighten up the defense. In January, the Lightning had an 11-4 run that saw them score 2.62 GA/60.

That figure’s season-long average is 3.39. Jon Cooper often says that giving up four goals or more in a game makes it very difficult to win.

With 2.89 goals per game, the Islanders are 22nd in the league; nevertheless, they have struggled to mount an offensive attack this year.

They just gave up three goals in just thirty-two seconds during their 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

Before the puck dropped at 2:00 p.m., the Lightning announced two roster changes, including the recall of defenseman Max Crozier from AHL Syracuse. Additionally, Alex Barre-Boulet was sent to the Crunch.

Erik Cernak was scratched on Thursday night due to sickness, but his status for tonight’s game is still unknown.

There is intense competition among the Eastern Conference teams to make it to the postseason. With two games left, the Islanders trail the Lightning by five points, so this matchup is vital.