After two days off, the Tampa Bay Lightning get things rolling again this evening with a contest scheduled against the Florida Panthers. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what’s going on when it comes to hockey in the state of Florida; both the Panthers and Lightning are struggling. Already, fans have been tossing out phrases like “Stop Winnin’ for McKinnon.” To be fair to those fans, things really are that bad. The Panthers sit dead last in the East, while the Lightning sit only one point out of the basement.

That last statement should send chills down the Lightning’s collective spine. A Panthers win tonight coupled with a Sabres victory against the Rangers, and the Lightning will find themselves sitting dead last in the Eastern Conference. That’s right. Dead last. With seven points separating them from eighth place and eight points separating them from the division lead, the Lightning need to go on a real tear if they are to get back in the playoff picture. Like at this time last season, it’s a long shot.

This is the third game between the Lightning and Panthers this season, and the Lightning have won both so far. Offensive production hasn’t been a problem for the Lightning when they’ve faced the Panthers, as evidenced by the eleven goals in the two contests. Given the offensive struggles this team has undergone in recent weeks, a tilt against the Panthers could be just what the doctor ordered.

Anders Lindback will get the start in net for the Bolts after sitting out the team’s last contest against the Montreal Canadiens. Although it’s a small sample size, the last few games Lindback has played have been really inspiring. While each save has been a bit of an adventure, he’s made the stops whenever needed. When looking at Lindback’s stat line, it’s really easy to panic. However, it’s important to remember that he is a young player who is getting his first taste as a starter in the NHL. With the confidence he’s built up in recent days, look for Lindback to have a solid performance this evening.

Also of note is the fact that AHL star Radko Gudas will make his National Hockey League debut this evening. For Bolts fans who don’t know about Gudas, prepare to be wowed by his physicality and hockey sense. He’s physical. He’s mean. He hits like a train. Adding his right handed shot to the blue line to complement Sami Salo will certainly help the Bolts if Gudas can prove that he’s ready to stick at the NHL level. Brian Lee and Adam Hall will sit this one out, while Marc-Andre Bergeron slots back into the lineup.

All in all, if the Bolts really do have their eyes set on the playoffs, they are going to need to turn things around right now. The “magic number” thrown out there by pundits is 52, as in it will take 52 points to make the playoffs. Right now, the Bolts have 21. That means that the Lightning need 31 points in 23 games. For those of you who aren’t in a mathematical mood, that means the Bolts need 14-16 outright wins to end this season. A loss tonight could mean the end of this “magical” 20th season.

As always, thanks for reading.

Join the Discussion: » 27 Comments » Post New Comment

» Brown, Paul Combine for Canada's Golden Goal at World Championship

» Senators to Select 10th Overall; What Should They Do with the Pick?

» Finding the Right Centerpiece

» Senators Team Awards Ballot

» Melnyk Speaks