With 19 points separating the two entering Thursday’s contest at TD Garden, the Bruins are not catching the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic division standings, no one is. But that doesn’t mean the game between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference won’t be a big one.
“It’s probably going to be a playoff atmosphere. It’s nice it’s at home,… Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk said. “You just have to do the best you can and limit that as much as possible. They’re the best team in the NHL for a reason, and we’ve got to bring our best.…
Neither the Bruins nor the Lightning have lost in regulation in their last 10 games. The Lightning enter Boston with 10 straight wins, while the Bruins host the Lightning 8-0-2 in their last 10, and riding a 14-game point streak.
What the Lightning have done so far this season has been absolutely silly. They’ve only lost back-to-back games twice, and have not had a losing streak longer than two games at any point this season.
“It’s incredible the season they’re having. It obviously speaks to their depth, how well they’ve played all year long and just the consistency in their group,… said Bruins forward Brad Marchand. “If you want to compete with them, you’ll have to bring your A game with you every night.…
As division rivals, you would think the two would have met a few times already, but that has not been the case. The two have met just once, a 3-2 Lightning win in Tampa Bay back on December 6th.
But this time around, the Bruins will have a little different of a look. Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara missed Dcember's contest with respective injuries. Both are back now, combined with the trade deadline additions of Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson. David Pastrnak (hand) remains out.
“It’s a different feel, for sure. We’re a completely different team, I don’t know the actual number of guys that are different from that game, but it’s a different feeling,… said Bruins defenseman Torey Krug. “It feels like you’re playing them for the first time, and we’re looking forward to re-igniting that flame.…
At the end of the day, it is a regular season game and two points are up for grabs. But as much as they want to see how well they matchup with the NHL’s best, head coach Bruce Cassidy is a little hesitant to call the game a measuring stick.
“I don’t know if I’d call it a measuring stick, because this time of the year there’s always schedule. It’s their third and fourth back-to-back, traveling in,… Cassidy said.
The Lightning went into New York Wednesday night and defeated the Rangers in overtime, 4-3.
“I always thought measuring stick was equal footing, so, equal lineups. I don’t know who they’ll have in or out,… added Cassidy. “We’re missing one of our regulars [in Pastrnak]. I don’t know which goalie we’ll see.…
Andre Vasilevskiy made 33 saves in Wednesday’s victory, so I would expect the Bruins to see Louis Domingue tonight. Tuukka Rask gets the start for the Bruins.
Well on their way to the Presidents’ Trophy, —leading Calagry by 13 points—the Lightning are as well-rounded as they come. The Lightning lead the league with 3.84 goals per game while allowing 2.62 goals-against per contest, fourth best in all the National Hockey League.
They’re dominating on special teams as well, leading the league in power play percentage (29.7) and penalty kill percentage (86.1). And there’s also Nikita Kucherov, the league leader in points with 104, and assists with 74. He’s the lone player in the NHL with 100 points or more.
“We saw it last year first-hand. We know how good they can be, certainly no weaknesses. The fact they’re number one in power play and penalty kill and goals for, and top of league, that’s special,… added Cassidy. “Usually you have a deficiency somewhere, but it doesn’t look like they do. We’re going to find out tomorrow [Thursday].…
I am curious to see how Cassidy deploys his line matchups as he looks to slow down the speed the Lightning bring to the table.
Patrice Bergeron, Kevan Miller and Noel Acciari all missed practice on Wednesday. It was just a maintenance day for Bergeron Cassidy said, he expects Bergeron to be in the lineup Thursday.
Acciari missed practice after going through what Cassidy said was “extensive dental work.… Acciari took a puck to the mouth Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks. Depending on how he feels Thursday, Acciari will be a game-time decision.
Cassidy wouldn’t rule Miller out with his lingering upper-body injury, instead deeming Miller doubtful for Thursday.
Peter Cehlarik and Karson Kuhlman were recalled from Providence on an emergency basis, and Cassidy is leaning towards Cehlarik if Acciari is unable to go.
After a Joakim Norstrom-Coyle-David Backes trio looked so-so on Tuesday, I would be interested to see what a Cehlarik-Coyle-Kuhlman line could do. The three as a line would be able to match Tampa’s speed much better than it would with Nordstrom and Backes as wings.
Let’s all hope the game lives up to the hype.