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Game 17 Preview: Lightning vs. Hurricanes

February 23, 2013, 4:33 PM ET [9 Comments]
Michael Stuart
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It’s time for the best of the worst to battle for the Southeast Division’s top spot. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes are set to take to the ice for an incredibly important tilt. The winner will take over sole possession of first place in the “South-least” Division. It’s a big game, and a big opportunity for your Tampa Bay Lightning.

Fresh off a disappointing performance against the Boston Bruins, the Lightning are looking to get back in the win column with a solid performance against the always dangerous Hurricanes. Simply put – the Lightning can’t continue down this one step forward, two steps back road. This team is regressing right now, and that’s got to change sooner rather than later.

In recent days, much has been made of the Lightning’s inability to change its game plan during the course of a contest. Over the last few weeks, even in victories, it’s hard to argue that the Bolts haven’t been outcoached. Guy Boucher has shown an unwillingness to make changes to his strategy. He’s not getting the most out of this roster right now. As said above, that’s got to change.

After a weak stretch from goaltender Anders Lindback, the Lightning have elected to give Mathieu Garon the start tonight for the first game of a back-to-back stint. Garon, who is 1-3-0 on the season, last played against the Washington Capitals earlier in the month.

The Carolina Hurricanes are also looking to get back in the win column after losing two straight games. Following three straight wins, the Canes suffered from inconsistent play against the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets. Those losses, combined with two straight Lightning wins, brought the Bolts and Hurricanes together in the standings.

The Lightning and Hurricanes have already met once this season; the Bolts skated off with a 4-1 victory spawned by a hard working effort, and discipline. Tom Pyatt, Cory Conacher, Keith Aulie, and Ryan Malone notched tallies, and Mathieu Garon was credited with his only win of the season.

Unfortunately for the Lightning, the Hurricanes team that they faced earlier in the season is not the same team that they will face tonight. Both Staal brothers are producing, Alex Semin seems to be gelling with his new teammates, and Jiri Tlusty looks like a true top-six forward. Despite less than stellar goaltending from Cam Ward, the Hurricanes are starting to look like the real deal. The Bolts had best beware of just how dangerous tonight’s opponent can be.

Divisional games are always important but, as outlined above, tonight’s game is of the utmost importance for both teams. With so much on the line, look for an exciting game, with some high-flying offense. For fans on both sides, this should be a great one.

Thanks for reading. Predictions?
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