Remember to Give Michael a Follow on Twitter!
For those who are not aware, today is Bell Let's Talk Day in Canada. Tweet using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk to raise money for mental health initiatives in Canada. I sincerely hope that all of my readers get involved, start a conversation, and help support this great cause.
--
After a dismal road swing, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back at the Tampa Bay Times Forum tonight to take on the resurgent Montreal Canadiens. Coming off three straight losses on the road, the Bolts will be happy to return to the friendly confides of the Forum where they have compiled a record of 5-1-0 to start this season.
This is the first of three meetings between the Canadiens and Lightning this year; last season the teams split their four game series. Both wins for the Lightning came on home ice; so, if history is worth anything, the Lightning are in good shape heading into this one. Considering their recent struggles, the Bolts desperately need a good performance tonight.
Under Michel Therrien, the Canadiens have made great strides forward. Compared to last season, when the Canadiens were dead last in the East, this year’s Canadiens team is vastly better. Players have bought into Therrien’s system, there is a clear game plan night in and night out, and the team just seems to be in a better place. Combine that with the emergence of some great young players and the resurgence of a few veterans, and the Canadiens have certainly established themselves as a more than formidable threat.
Despite that, both teams come into this game on rather severe losing streaks, considering just how short the 2013 season is. The Canadiens are looking to avoid losing their fourth straight while the Lightning are looking to avoid losing their fifth straight. Simply put – something has got to give.
For the Lightning, tonight’s game represents an opportunity to get the offense back on track. With 32 goals scored on home ice, the Lightning have scored more goals at the Tampa Bay Times Forum than 16 teams have total. Consider that for a moment and ask yourself how on earth the offense has disappeared in the last few games. It’s mindboggling.
If the Bolts are truly looking to get back to scoring bushels and bushels of goals, Carey Price is going to make it incredibly difficult. Price, who is arguably the best goaltender in the league, is sporting great stats to start this season. He looks calm, he’s playing angles correctly, and he’s leaving very few holes for shooters to take advantage of. He’s the kind of goaltender who can singlehandedly win games for a team, regardless of how the guys in front of him play. That’s scary, from an opposition’s perspective.
To state it bluntly – this Montreal Canadiens team can be very dangerous. Andrei Markov, Tomas Plekanec, and Carey Price are three of the strongest players in hockey. If the Lightning are to get back to their winning ways, it’s important that they don’t look at the Canadiens as a 15th place team from last season. The 2013 Canadiens are 6-4-1, and ready for action.
--
Now, here are some pre-game notes.
* Anders Lindback is scheduled to get the start in net tonight marking his 9th start of the season. Despite a rather pedestrian stat line, Lindback has given the Lightning a chance to win in every one of his performances. While he’s no Carey Price, he certainly has enough talent to boost the Bolts to victory.
* Ryan Malone was placed on the injured reserve list and, as a result, the Lightning recalled forward Richard Panik from Syracuse. Panik, a player who has been described as a “bull in a china shop” by many, is the kind of player who could make an immediate impact if he’s given the chance. With his size, hands, and smarts, there’s no reason to think that he won’t get involved in the action in one way or another.
* Lightning killer Erik Cole will suit up for the Canadiens tonight. He has 23 points in his last 16 games against the Bolts. Like Alex Semin, Cole seems to be a guy that performs unusually well against the Lightning. Considering his size, the Lightning’s defense is going to have a lot to handle.
--
As always, thanks for reading. Predictions?
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»