Lightning Strikes: Four Games in Seven Days

The Tampa Bay Lightning is looking to extend its lead in lead in the Atlantic Division, but it won't be an easy road ahead. The Bolts face the Florida Panthers on the road on Sunday night. The next three games are at home against the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.

1.) Sunday, Feb. 10 @ Panthers- 6 p.m.

The Lightning will take on the Panthers, who are looking to get back into the playoff positioning. This will be a game that features the first and third ranked power plays in the League. The Bolts have outscored the Panthers 14-8 in three game played this season and are 3-0-0 against them.

The Lightning Win If...

They play a solid even strength game and manage to stay out of the penalty box. The Panthers have allowed 125 even strength goals against this season, but have one of the best power plays in the League. The Lightning do have the second best penalty kill in the League, but they are only killing 80% of penalties taken on the road. The Bolts have played a solid even strength game all season and have outscored the opposition by 25 goals while playing 5-on-5.

Matchup of the Game

It will be interesting to watch the Panthers power play go up against the Lightning penalty kill. The Panthers power play is third in the NHL, which ranked them third in the NHL at 27%. The home power play is actually better at 28%. The Lightning penalty kill has improved immensely and is now second in the League (84.7%), but the penalty kill is not as good on the road (80%) as it is on home ice (89.5%). 

Game Prediction

The Lightning will win this game 2-1, which means the goalies are going to make some saves. It is an  important game for both team with the Lightning wanting to build on their Atlantic Division lead, while the Panthers are fighting to get back into a playoff spot. The Bolts goals will come from J.T Miller and Brayden Point with the Panthers lone goal being scored by Vincent Trocheck.

2.) Tuesday, Feb. 12 vs. Flames- 7:30 p.m.-ESPN+

The Bolts take on the Flames, who bring plenty of speed to this game. In the only game against this season, the Lightning managed to pull out the win in the shootout. These two teams each have the speed, talent and can put the puck in the net so this should be a fast-paced hockey game with some goals scored. 

The Lightning Will Win If...

They can manage to slow down the Flames' top line of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm. The line has combined for 199 points so far this season. The line has a combination of speed, playing and finishing ability. The Lightning need to establish a good forecheck early in this game, get plenty of shots on net and make the Flames defend in their own zone. The Bolts should also try to limit their mistakes especially in the neutral zone with the Flames transition speed.

Matchup of the Game

The teams are very close in style, but the main difference has been the goaltending. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Louis Domingue have done a great job in stopping the puck for the Lightning this season. The goaltending duo of Mike Smith and David Rittich has had its problems this season. The goaltending has improved since Rittich has taken over the starting job, but they are still letting in soft goals. If the Flames want to win this game then the goalie needs to make the routine stops.

Game Prediction

The Flames will tie the game late in regulation to force overtime. The Lightning will lose 4-3 in the extra session. The Flames goals will be scored by Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm,  Sam Bennett and James Neal. The Bolts goals will go to Yanni Gourde, Mathieu Joseph and Steven Stamkos. 

3.) Thursday, Feb. 14 vs Stars- 7:30 p.m.-ESPN +

The Stars have been one of the more inconsistent teams because they lack a balanced lineup. The Stars are basically a one line team with the other three lines pitching in once every few games or so. The Lightning can't overlook this team or they will not get two points out of a very winnable game. The Bolts beat the Stars 2-0 earlier in the season on the road. 

The Lightning Will Win If...

The team gets off to a fast start and continues it throughout the game. The Stars have been outscored big time by the opposition in the first periods of games. It is almost like the Stars aren't ready for the start of the game, but get better as the game goes on. The Bolts have outscored the opposition in the first period but by less than 10 goals, so they want to improve on their starts.

Matchup of the Game

Tyler Seguin has been everything for the Stars this season after signing his contract in the offseason. He doesn't have as many points as the team would like, but he has really picked up his play of late. He leads the team in goals (22), assists (29) and points (51). Nikita Kucherov got off to a slower than usual start, but that hasn't affected his play this season. He leads the team in assists (59) and points (81) with Brayden Point, who just happens to be Kucherov's centerman, leading the team in goals (31). These two players have the potential to do some damage in the game.

Game Prediction

The Lightning manage to win this one because of its depth scoring by a score of 3-1. They'll get a late empty net goal to seal the win. The one Stars goal will be scored by Tyler Seguin with Alexander Radulov adding a primary assist. The three Lightning goals will come from Alex Killorn, Tyler Johnson and Brayden Point.

4.) Saturday, Feb. 16 vs. Canadiens- 7 p.m.- NHLN

The Montreal Canadiens have been on of the surprise teams in the NHL this season. They have three lines that have the potential to score and have gotten decent goaltending. The power play has probably been one of the down falls on this team and it is ranked 30th in the League (13.5%). This should be a good fast paced game that may very need overtime to decide the game.

The Lightning Will Win If...

They get plenty of pucks on net with traffic in front of the opposing goalie. The Lightning should want to take away the goalie's eyes especially if Carey Price is in net for the Canadiens. The Bolts should play with their speed to try to get to loose pucks and then make sure that they establish a forecheck early in the game. 

Matchup of the Game

One of the goaltenders if going to steal this game for his team especially if the starters are Carey Price and Andrei Vasilevskiy. These goalies can make the routine save and make highlight reel saves. Price has been playing well of late and Vasilevskiy has been playing decent since coming back from his broken foot. The teams are going to have to get the goalies moving from post to post and get plenty of traffic in front for deflections.

Game Prediction

The Habs are going to get some revenge for the two earlier loses to the Bolts this season by winning 3-2 in overtime. The two games have seen the two teams combine for 16 goals. The Lightning have 10 goals in the season series while the Canadiens have scored six times. The Canadiens goals will come from Max Domi, Tomas Tatar and Brendan Gallagher. The Lightning goal scorers are Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. 

Lightning Strikes Weekly Prediction

The Lightning will finish a tough week with a 2-0-2 record and grab six points in the standings. 

3 Things: Bufalo Sabres at Florida Panthers:- 3/2/18

The Sabres will take on the Florida Panthers, who are fighting to stay in the playoff picture, tonight in a big Atlantic Division game.

Here are three things to watch for in tonight's game:

1.) LIMIT MISTAKES- SABRES

The Sabres need to limit their mistakes and play smart game. If they turn the puck over then they need to back check because if they don't then the Panthers will take it right into the offensive zone for a scoring chance. The Sabres need to make sure that the passing lanes are open and that they pass can't be deflected for the Panthers to go back the other way on an odd man rush. If a shot is there, then it needs to be taken instead of trying for the additional pass, which could be picked off and go the other way for a Panthers odd man rush or scoring chance. The Sabres just need to make sure that they make the smart play and not the high risk one that could be taken back the other way.

2.) TOP SIX FORWARDS- PANTHERS

The top six forwards for the Panthers do most of the damage for the team on the score sheet. If Evgenii Dadonov, Aleksander Barkov, Nick Bjustad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck and Denis Malgin get going then it cold be a long night for the Sabres. The six forwards have combined for a whopping 258 points of total offense. The top six can not only play in the offensive zone, but some of them are really good in their own zone. If the top six of the Panthers are ready to go early and have the chemistry clicking then the Sabres better watch out.

3.) GOALTENDING- SABRES & PANTHERS

The goaltending could be a deciding factor in this game since both teams will have their chances. The teams are going to need to make life for the goalies miserable by getting some traffic in front and going for deflections. The goalies are going to have to make the easy save, and if they let in a soft goal put it behind them pretty quick. They will need to make sure that they have good positioning and if they are out of position, they'll need to get back or hope that a teammate is there to help them out. The goaltenders may have to make some spectacular saves since they have not exactly been playing at Vezina-like levels all year.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 2/25/18-3/3/18

The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to carry the momentum of a big regulation win over the Boston Bruins on Saturday into the week.

The Leafs will visit the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight with the puck dropping around 7:30. Toronto will then take on the Florida Panthers the following night. The Maple Leafs end the week with an outdoor game against the Washington Capitals. It won't be an easy week for the Leafs, but there is certainly potential to get some points.

The Maple Leafs need to get the first goal of the game to build momentum and take the home crowd out of the game. The Leafs should have their newest addition, Tomas Plekanec in the lineup tonight so that will add another good two way player to the mix. Toronto needs to play well while on special teams since they allow as much as they score when playing at even strength. The Maple Leafs want to get a good game out of goaltender, Freddie Andersen, who has been very good for most of this season. The Leafs will want to find a way to neutralize Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov since they are the leading point getters on the Lightning.

The Bolts need to come out with some energy in their game against the Leafs on Monday night since the teams are only separated by four points in the standings. The Lightning should try to play with some discipline since their penalty kill has struggled all season. Tampa Bay will need to neutralize the speed of the Maple Leafs especially through the neutral zone to avoid odd man rushes. The Bolts should try to get the forecheck game going often and early since the Leafs do tend to turn the puck over when under pressure. The Lightning will want to keep an eye on Mitch Marner, who has been on absolute fire of late, creating and scoring in the offensive zone because of his speed.

The Leafs need to establish a good forecheck against the Panthers and make sure that they roll all four lines since they will have played the night before. Toronto will need to stop the top six of the Panthers since they tend to produce a good amount of the points for Florida. The Mapple Leafs will need to play defense and not let the game become wide open. Toronto should take advantage of their power plays because the Panthers aren't a very good penalty killing team. The Leafs want to get pucks to the net with traffic in front since the goaltending hasn't exactly been great for Florida this year.

The Panthers need to get off to a good start and play with some energy because they don't want to fall behind by a lot early in the game. Florida should try to get the first goal of the game to keep the crowd in the game. The Panthers want to get a good game from the goalie since the Leafs tend to have some high quality scoring chances throughout a game. Florida will want to play with discipline and stay out of the penalty box while limiting their own mistakes.

Toronto then heads outside to face off against the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. The Leafs will want to keep the Capitals defense under pressure and force them into turning them puck over. The Maple Leafs need to get a big fame from the starting goalie since there will be some chances in this game that will feature two high flying offenses. Toronto should limit their mistakes, and see if they can get Tomas Plekanec involved often and early in the game. The Leafs need to be aware of Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom when they are on the ice.

The Caps also need to get a good game from the goaltending because the Leafs can use their speed in transition. Washington should try to get a ton of traffic in front of the Leafs net for deflections and to take the goalie's eyes off the puck. The Capitals will want to capitalize on the mistakes that the Leafs are going to make and keep pushing even if they get down in the game. They'll need to be aware of the defenseman Morgan Reilly and Jake Gardiner since they both like to get involved in the offensive zone. 

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 1/28/18-2/3/18

The Buffalo Sabres are looking to continue the momentum of two shutout wins against the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks before the All Star Break.

They will take on the New Jersey Devils tonight at home. On Thursday night, the Florida Panthers come to town, and then they end the week by facing the St. Louis Blues.

Buffalo needs to get off to a fast start in this game, and set the pace early. The Sabres need to win the special teams battle since they haven't exactly been the strongest team on the power play and penalty kill this season. Buffalo should try to force some turnovers to spend some time in the offensive zone, and get some shots on goal to test the goalie out early in the game. The Sabres will have to figure out a way to stop Taylor Hall, who leads the Devils in goals, assists and points since he will be returning to the lineup after missing a few games due to injury. Buffalo will want to use its speed to create in the offensive zone and draw some penalties.

The Devils should test out the goaltending early and often since a both teams are coming off of the All Star Break. New Jersey will want to establish the forecheck and cycle game to spend some time in the offensive zone. The Devils need to take advantage of a weak Sabres' penalty kill. New Jersey will want to try to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game if they want to try to get on a roll to acquired some points. The Devils need to make sure that they don't play down to their opponent, and stay focused.

On Thursday night, the Sabres take on a fellow Atlantic Division team in the Florida Panthers, who have been struggling lately. Buffalo needs to get pucks on net with traffic especially if the veteran goalies James Reimer and Roberto Luongo aren't back from their injuries. They'll want to test the young starting goalie. The Sabres should come out with more energy to get better starts to games since they've been outscored 44-22 in first periods of games. Buffalo needs to play with discipline since they don't have the best penalty kill. The Sabres want to be the better team while playing at even strength since the Panthers have struggled in this area. Bufffalo will want to stop the balanced attack of the Panthers especially Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck.

The Panthers will want to have the lead entering the third period since they are only 5-17-3 when trailing after two periods. Florida needs to get the power play going against a weak penalty kill since they have the talent on the power play to score some goals. The Panthers will need to get off to a better start and set the tone early in the game. Florida will need to take care of the puck because the Sabres have a few guys that can take advantage of turnovers like Jack Eichel and Evander Kane. The Panthers need to break out of a slump and this would be the perfect game to do so.

Buffalo ends the week with a visit from the St. Louis Blues, who have been playing better hockey as of late. The Sabres will need a good defensive game from top to bottom since the Blues have the fire power to score a ton of goals. Buffalo needs the goaltending to come up big in this game since the Blues will have their chances. The Sabres will need to play a good game at even strength. Buffalo will need to stop the balanced attack of the Blues, and to be aware of the Blues defense corps since they can rack up some points.

The Blues need to make sure that they have the lead entering the final period. St. Louis needs to make sure that they get the first goal of the game and keep attacking. The Blues need to make sure that they play a good game and don't lose focus to the Sabres, who are looking to play spoiler for teams in the playoff race. St. Louis will need to stop Jack Eichel and get plenty of shots on goal with traffic in front. The Blues will need to make sure that they are good at even strength since they don't have the best special teams numbers in the League.

3 Things: Panthers vs. Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning will open its season at home against the Florida Panthers tonight at 7:30 p.m. 

Here are three things to watch for in tonight's game: 

1.) Make Bottom Six Beat You- Bolts

The Lightning are going to need to keep the top six forwards of the Panthers off the board. If they can manage to keep them off the board or at least in check then they will have a chance at winning the game, and stealing two important divisional points. The Panthers don't seem to have a lot in the bottom six that would really scare you offensively so the Bolts need to get favorable matchups out tonight especially with last change. If Tampa Bay can keep Jonathan Huberdeau, Sasha Barkov and Vincent Trocheck off the board then they should be in good shape tonight.

2.) Attack the Lightning Defense- Panthers

The Panthers need to get in on the forecheck and pressure the Lightning's defense every time they have the puck. Dan Girardi is being used with Victor Hedman on the top pair for the opening game, and he will turn the puck over if pressured. Mikhail Sergachev is a rookie playing in only his fifth NHL game, so Florida should see if they can rattle him, and hit him at every opportunity they  have. The Lightning defense will turn the puck over, but they can also move the puck well so the Panthers are going to need to get in on the forecheck quick tonight.

3.) Get the First Goal- Bolts & Panthers

Tampa Bay will have the home crowd behind them tonight especially since it is the home opener. The Bolts will need to get the first goal to keep the crowd into the game, and then keep building on the lead. The Panthers need to get the first goal to get the crowd out of the game, and make the Bolts chase the lead. If Florida can manage to get the first goal then they need to build on the lead. 

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 10/4/17-10/7/17

The Tampa Bay Lightning start off the season with a home-and-home series against Atlantic Division Rival, the Florida Panthers.

On Friday night, the Lightning host the Panthers. If the Bolts want to win the game then they will keep to keep the trio of Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck and Sasha Barkov off the board. Tampa Bay needs to make the other Panthers on the ice beat them. The Lightning should use the loud, raucous crowd to its advantage to get off to a fast start. Tampa Bay is going to need to get the first goal to keep the crowd in the game and they'll need to use its balanced attack. If the Bolts can manage to get some pucks on net then they'll have a decent shot at winning the game.

If the Panthers want a chance at getting a big two points in the division, and on the road, then they'll need to get production up-and-down the lineup. They can't just rely on three players for its offense, everyone is going to need to pitch in. Florida will need to be smart with the puck and avoid turnovers in the neutral zone and its own zone because the Bolts will take advantage of mistakes. The Panthers need to play a solid, defensive road game. The Cats need to get in on the forecheck, pressure the Lightning defense, and get the first goal of the game.

These two teams will face off the next night, but this time the Panthers are the home team. If the Panthers want to win the game then the team will need to bring a balanced attack. Florida will need to try and go glove side or elevate the puck, if Andrei Vasilveskiy is in net for the Bolts. If Peter Budaj is in net for the Bolts, then the Panthers just need to get some pucks towards the net and have some movement going post-to-post. The Cats may also want to stay out of the penalty box and get the first goal of the game to keep the crowd behind them.

The Bolts will need to get off to a fast start, and take the lead to get the crowd out of the game. Tampa Bay needs to establish a cycle game early along with a good forecheck, just to limit the Panthers offensive zone time. The Lightning also need to get pucks on net and traffic in front of the opposing goal, whomever that may be since these two teams play on back-to-back nights. The Bolts are going to need a solid road effort and to shut down the Panthers.