Remember to Give Michael a Follow on Twitter!
If you'd like to be included in my upcoming piece, "Steve Yzerman's Stamp," please private message me your comments on Yzerman's tenure as General Manager.
Fresh off their first win in over a week, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back in action tonight with a tilt scheduled against the Winnipeg Jets. After defeating the New Jersey Devils in their last game, the Lightning have a renewed sense of confidence that will only be bolstered by the fact that the they have already beaten the Jets 8-3 this season. Simply put – the Bolts have a chance to right the ship, get back on the right track, and put themselves right back in the playoff picture.
As mentioned, the Lightning are coming off a good win against the New Jersey Devils. The team managed to limit the Devils’ chances, convert on its own chances, and manage their lead. The Lightning played like a playoff-caliber team. For fans of the Lightning, it was both refreshing and inspiring to see that, even with injuries, the team is capable of competing when it puts in a sixty minute effort.
Recent history between the Jets and Lightning bodes well for the team that calls the Tampa Bay Times Forum home. In addition to their 8-3 win this season, the Lightning have gone 9-0-1 at home against the Jets in recent years. For whatever reason, the Lightning just seem to wake up and get the job done against the Jets franchise.
For the Jets, tonight’s game provides them with an opportunity to get things settled down. After battling with the Carolina Hurricanes for top spot in the Southeast Division, the Jets have lost two straight games to divisional opponents. In such a weak division, it is imperative that teams take advantage of their weaker brethren. The Jets are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, and will certainly be looking to avenge it tonight.
Anders Lindback is expected to get the start for the Lightning, in place of an injured Mathieu Garon. After struggling in recent weeks, Lindback put forth a stellar performance against the New Jersey Devils. He was big, he looked confident, and he got the job done. While he has struggled on the road this season, his record on home ice is actually quite good. The Lightning will be looking for another solid performance from him when they take to the ice this evening.
Another tidbit of good news for the Bolts is the pending return of Ryan Malone. Malone, who has been sidelined for what seems like an eternity, will make his comeback this evening. His big body, leadership qualities, and scoring touch have been missed. While it should be expected that Guy Boucher will ease him into the lineup, look for him to make an immediate impact. He’s the kind of guy who makes the Lightning better, simply because he can provide so many different looks. He can be a scorer, he can be a pest, he can be a screener, and he can be whatever Guy Boucher needs him to be.
While it’s certainly easy to look at recent history and say that the Lightning are in good shape tonight, it’s very important that the Jets aren’t taken lightly. With players like Andrew Ladd and Evander Kane on the roster, the Jets are always dangerous. Head coach Claude Noel has spoken at length regarding the Jets’ need to “pay the price” of victory. Against a Lightning team that can score at will, his group will certainly need to do that tonight.
All in all, this is a pivotal divisional battle for your Tampa Bay Lightning. Not to be cliché, but it’s time to either put up, or shut up. The Lightning are in need of a big league performance this evening. With this season almost halfway over, the time to battle hard and win is right now.
As always, thanks for reading. Predictions?
Ottawa Senators Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»