The Tampa Bay Lightning are back in action tonight, with a contest scheduled against the Southeast Division leading Washington Capitals. After a disappointing effort last night against the New York Islanders, the Bolts are looking to right the ship once again and keep their dwindling playoff hopes alive.

Beating the surging Capitals, who have won three straight games, is no easy task. After a sluggish start to the season, the Capitals have turned things around in a very drastic way. Alex Ovechkin is playing like the ‘Great 8’ of days gone by, Mike Ribeiro is producing at a clip nearly unheard of for a second line center, and the team is grinding out victories against top opponents thanks to a very deep roster. The Capitals truly are the class of the Southeast Division.

As of this moment, the Lightning sit six points back of the Capitals in the standings. Even with a game in hand, the Lightning are staring straight up an Everest-like hurdle. With only eleven games left in their season, the Bolts cannot afford to lose too many more contests if they have any desire to make the post-season. With tonight’s game against the Capitals and one more coming up against them this week, the Lightning are in that dreaded “must win” territory.

For the Lightning, tonight’s game provides a shot at real redemption. To state it lightly – the effort last night was anything but acceptable. The players looked sluggish, there was very little killer instinct, and it just didn’t look like the team was willing to fight for a much needed win. With Ben Bishop back in net this evening, hopefully the team’s fortunes turn around.

With so much on the line, it comes as no surprise that the Lightning might choose to shakeup the lineup after last night’s horrendous loss. While Jon Cooper won’t announce his lineup until just prior to game time, expect Dana Tyrell to at least partake in warm-up. His hustle and tenacity could have certainly helped last night.

Victor Hedman will remain out with injury, so once again everybody on the blue line will be asked to contribute that little bit more. In Hedman’s absence, one player who has really stepped up on the offensive side of the puck is Matt Carle. He’s skating well, passing well, and creating offense at every turn. Simply put – he’s earning his big contract. The Lightning will need more of that from him as they move down the stretch.

Tonight’s game also marks Martin St. Louis’s 900th in a Tampa Bay Lightning uniform. With 898 career points, Marty has been and will continue to be one of the Lightning’s most beloved players. With hard work, dedication, and so much heart, Marty has proven that even a guy who only stands five-foot-eight can have incredible success in hockey. Here’s hoping that he can reach 900 career points in his 900th game with the Lightning.

All in all, logic dictates that the Lightning are in tough tonight. This Capitals team is potent, dangerous, and ready to stake its claim as a real playoff team. If the Lightning want to have any shot at victory, no part of last night’s game can crawl into this one. The guys can’t turn the puck over at the blue line, the guys can’t lunge rather than skate, and the guys can’t reach rather than battle. To grab two points from the Capitals, everybody is going to need to buy in this evening.

As always, thanks for reading. Predictions?

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