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Lightning Seek to Slow Down Red-hot Capitals

April 13, 2013, 6:24 PM ET [27 Comments]
Michael Stuart
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After having their playoff hopes dashed at the hands of the Washington Capitals last week, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back in the nation’s capital for yet another contest. This time, however, the Lightning don’t have their eyes on a playoff berth. Tonight, the Bolts will look to play spoiler as they attempt to slow down the red-hot Capitals. Having won six straight games, the Capitals are certainly proving to the rest of the National Hockey League that they belong in the post-season.

With the Capitals battling to lockup the Southeast Division crown and the Lightning looking towards the draft (and perhaps the odd tee time), Jon Cooper’s ability to motivate his troops is going to be tested this evening. As of right now, the Capitals are only two points clear of the Winnipeg Jets in the standings. For them, tonight’s contest provides a great opportunity to create a bit of clearance. For the Lightning, there’s just not much to play for right now.

That being said, one storyline to follow tonight is the battle that will ensue between Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin. In the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy, both gentlemen have tallied 26 goals so far this season. After a great start to the year, Stamkos has cooled down considerably. On the other hand, Ovechkin has arguably been the league’s most offensive force over the last month and a half. The battle for supremacy is on, and it will be most interesting to see which guy responds to the added pressure this evening.

After a couple of weeks full of bad news for the Lightning, a positive inkling has made its way to the forefront as Victor Hedman will make his return to the lineup after missing the last few games with injury. Say what you want about the Lightning’s defensive struggles, but having Victor Hedman out on the ice makes the Bolts a better team. After being drafted second overall in 2009, Hedman is turning into the number one defenseman this franchise desperately needs. He’s smart with his stick, he passes well, he’s big, and his offensive vision is unparalleled on the Lightning blue line. Having his twenty-plus minutes per night back in the fold is, quite simply, great.

Ben Bishop will make yet another start for the Lightning after struggling in his last outing against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’ll get a chance at redemption against the always potent Capitals, and you know he wants to make a great impression on the Lightning brass as the team moves towards the end of the season. With Anders Lindback nearing a return, Bishop needs to stake his claim on the number one position. It all starts tonight, and Bishop will need to be real good if he is going to stop Ovechkin and company.

All in all, the Lightning are going to be in for a big challenge tonight. The Capitals are hotter than hot, and the Lightning always seem to struggle when out on the road. While a win tonight won’t get the Lightning into the playoffs, it might help the team build up a little bit of much needed confidence. With the curtain closing on the 2013 season, here’s hoping that the Bolts can grab an unexpected win or two before they call it quits.

As always, thanks for reading. Predictions?
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