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Tampacuse Lightning in Estero for Contest with Panthers

September 26, 2013, 6:08 PM ET [25 Comments]
Michael Stuart
Ottawa Senators Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After suffering a loss on Tuesday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning will look to start another win streak tonight as they get set to take on the Florida Panthers at the Germain Arena in Estero. Tonight’s game will be the second of three scheduled meetings between the state rivals this preseason; the Lightning will close their exhibition schedule in Sunrise on Saturday.

When the Lightning and Panthers played last Saturday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, it was Jonathan Drouin who was the hero; his nifty shootout marker secured the 5-4 Lightning win. This year’s 3rd overall draft pick will once again be in the lineup. He is slated to play on the wing beside Brett Connolly and Marty St. Louis.

Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times posted tonight’s lineup sheet:




It should be noted that Ryan Malone will sit out tonight’s game with an upper body injury. However, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper says that the rugged winger is not in any danger of missing regular season action. Malone sitting out should be regarded as a precautionary action. J.T. Brown will take his place this evening.

As you’ll note, the Lightning will once again ice a very young lineup. So many young players are currently fighting for spots on the Lightning’s opening night roster. Realistically, there isn’t a forward in tonight’s lineup who doesn’t have a shot at making the team. The competition is fierce, and it’s clear Cooper and the rest of the coaching staff will have their hands full when they go about making the final cuts.

With so many young bodies scheduled to be in the lineup, expect a great effort from the Lightning tonight. The fact is that these guys are desperate to make a final impression. It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone if tonight’s game looks much different (read: better) than Tuesday’s tilt against the Predators. The ‘Tampacuse’ guys rarely disappoint in the effort department.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a post-game recap. As always, thanks for reading.
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