Sorokin's heroics and a tight defense define this intense rivalry. Can the Islanders complete the sweep with a new lineup against Tampa?

The Islanders could trade forward Maxim Tsyplakov as he continues to be a healthy scratch despite injuries to forwards.

Anders Lee scored twice and had two assists, and David Rittich made 31 saves as the New York Islanders beat the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Thursday night. Simon Holmstrom had a goal and two assists and defensemen Travis Mitchell and Ryan Pulock each scored as the Islanders won for the fifth time in six games.

The Islanders franchise finally gives Pat LaFontaine his due this afternoon (3:3o start) with induction into their Hall of Fame if not a number retirement — never mind your Sims, Ladds and Berubes who’ve worn #16 since — and they face the Lightning for the third time in two weeks.

Islanders forward Bo Horvat, who leads the team with 19 goals this season, left at 13:08 of the second period with a lower-body injury. His left leg got tangled up with the skate of Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson, causing him to go down awkwardly.

With Schaefer on the ice, HockeyStats shows the Islanders are averaging 2.59 expected goals per 60 minutes, compared to 2.09 expected goals against. He is leading the charge on both ends of the ice. The Islanders can aggravate opponents by playing keepaway in the offensive zone while disallowing momentum going the other way.

The Islanders are set to welcome back forward Jonathan Drouin to the lineup after he's missed the last five games.

Snapshots of the New York Islanders morning skate ahead of their matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, Dec. 11. Photos by Kathryn Howell/New York Islanders.