Remember to Give Michael a Follow on Twitter!
Just over one week ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Tampa Bay Lightning and sent the Bolts on a continuing four game losing streak. Tonight, these two teams are back at it, and the Lightning are looking to right the ship.
Whenever the Lightning and Penguins get together, fans are treating to an exciting atmosphere. With the league’s three most exciting players in Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and a now healthy Evgeni Malkin set to take to the ice tonight, prepare for offense, offense, and more offense.
For the Lightning, tonight’s game is another measuring stick. Right now, the Penguins sit in second place in the Eastern Conference, at the top of the Atlantic Division. With a dangerous top six, a stable bottom six, and a goaltender that is more than capable of stealing games, the Penguins are going to challenge the Lightning like few teams can. Like so many of the Lightning’s opponents in the last week, the Penguins form one of the league’s top groups.
Tonight’s contest is the third of four straight on the road for the Tampa Bay Lightning; the trip will conclude tomorrow evening in New Jersey. The team’s road struggles are highlighted by a 3-7-0 record away from the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Simply put – the Lightning, under Guy Boucher, have got to figure out how to put together a successful product away from the Forum. If there is a tidbit of good news for the Bolts heading into this one, it’s that the Penguins have struggled at the CONSOL Energy Center. With a 5-4-0 record on home ice, the Penguins haven’t been able to establish their home rink as a tough place for opposing teams to play. With the Lightning struggling on the road and the Penguins struggling at home, something has got to give.
While the Bolts have lost four straight, Steven Stamkos has been doing his part to hold the team on the brink of respectability. With points in nine straight and 15 goals on the year, Stamkos has once again proven that he is the league’s best goal scoring threat. He’s giving the Bolts leadership, confidence, and goals. To state it succinctly – he is Mr. Everything for this team right now. If the Bolts are to have a shot at taking down the Penguins, he is going to need to be on his game. Given his recent play, don’t expect anything less than his best.
Mathieu Garon will get the start tonight, barring some pre-game change in the mind of Guy Boucher. Since taking over the number one job from Anders Lindback, Garon has been very good. He has kept the Bolts in games, he has looked confident, and he has given the team a chance to win each and every night. While he will never be a true number one guy in the NHL, Garon is doing more than could have been expected. His 0.911SV% is more than respectable on a team that has had its fair share of defensive struggles this year.
Ryan Malone, and Benoit Pouliot continue to rehabilitate injuries and are all expected to miss this contest due to their ailments. As a result, Ondrej Palat from the Syracuse Crunch has been recalled to give the forward lines more stability. Sami Salo returns to the lineup after recovering from his short-term injury.
All in all, the Lightning have their hands full tonight. This Penguins team is healthy, dangerous, and ready to go.
As always, thanks for reading. Predictions?
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»