3 Things: Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning- 2/28/18

The Buffalo Sabres look to steal a big two points from the Tampa Bay Lightning when they face them  tonight. The Sabres are out of playoff contention, but the Bolts are very much in the thick of things, and it is starting to get a little tighter at the top of the Atlantic standings.

Here are three things to watch for in this Atlantic Division tilt:

1.) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF POWER PLAY OPPORTUNITIES- SABRES

If there has been one thing that the Bolts have struggled at this season it has been killing penalties. Tampa Bay has allowed 45 power play goals while being shorthanded 203 times this year (77.8%). The penalty kill is ranked 24th in the League, which mean only seven teams are worse than the Bolts at killing penalties so the Sabres need to make sure that they capitalize when they have the man advantage. The Sabres need to make sure that they capitalize on the power play since they have been outscored badly while play at even strength. Buffalo will also need to make sure that they protect the puck and make the smart play while shorthanded because the Bolts have scored eight goals while shorthanded.

2.) SPECIAL TEAMS- LIGHTNING

The Lightning have played extremely well at even strength this year, outscoring opponents 143-103. The Bolts have also had some incredible success on the power play, and have the second best one in the NHL. Buffalo has a weak penalty kill so the Bolts have the advantage. The one area that has been a weakness all year has been the penalty kill, and in order for them to have success down the stretch this will need to improve. Tampa Bay needs to clear the puck out of their own zone and avoid failed clears when shorthanded.

3.) DISCIPLINE- SABRES & LIGHTNING

These two teams will need to play with some discipline and stay out of the penalty box. The Sabres have a weak penalty kill and the power play of the Lightning will burn them, if given the chance to do so. The Bolts need to stay out of the box because their penalty kill has been a disaster from the start of the season, and they don't want the Sabres to get a couple of power play chances and put the puck in the net a few times. When these two teams are on the power play then they need to be aware of the shorthanded goals because the Sabres have score nine this year, while the Bolts have eight of their own. 

3 Things: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Florida Panthers: 2/27/18

The Toronto Maple Leafs take on Atlantic Division foes, the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) POWER PLAY- MAPLE LEAFS

The Leafs will want to take advantage of their power play opportunities since they pretty much play even with the opposition at even strength. The Leafs have two decent power play units, but are missing Auston Matthews, their leading goal scorer. Toronto's power play is operating at over 20% on the year. The Panthers penalty kill is one of the worst in the League at under 80%.

2.) START- PANTHERS

The Panthers will want to get off to a good start in this game to have some momentum to build off of for the rest of the game. Florida should set the tone early by getting the first goal of the game in front of the home crowd. The Panthers should establish the forecheck and cycle game early in the game to create chances and spend a ton of time in the offensive zone.

3.) FLORIDA TOP SIX- LEAFS & PANTHERS

The Leafs are going to need to find a way to stop the top six of the Panthers since those guys have basically carried the Panthers offense all year long. The best way to isolate them is to play in the offensive zone when they are on the ice. The Panthers want to get these guys going and early in the game so they have an impact on the rest of the game. Florida should try to establish the forecheck and cycle game to spend some time in the offensive zone. The battle between these two teams should be a good one.

3 Things: Nashville Predators @ Winnipeg Jets: 2/27/18

The Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets will face-off in a Central Division game with a pivotal two points on the line in the playoff race.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) EVEN STRENGTH PLAY - NASHVILLE

If the Preds want to have a shot at winning this game and gaining an important two points then they will need to win the even strength play. The Predators have relied on their power play at times to get them going, but the Jets have a really good penalty kill so their play at even strength is going to be important. Nashville does have a decent amount of  even strength goals so far on the year so they can play while at 5-on-5. The Preds will need to play a solid defensive game, yet have some sustained offensive zone pressure. Nashville should establish a cycle game and a forecheck game to help win the battle at even strength.

2.) NASHVILLE D- WINNIPEG 

The Jets are going to have to keep an eye on the Predators defense since they do like to join the play in the offensive zone. Nashville defense has 150 points on the season, which accounts for 31% of the total offense. The Predators defense will also use the stretch pass as a way to get out of their own zone and spring the forwards into the offensive zone. The Preds defense is lead in points by P.K. Subban and Roman Josi so Winnipeg should be aware of when they are on the ice.

3.) GOALTENDING- NASHVILLE & WINNIPEG

The goaltending is going to be a big key to this game since both teams will get their scoring chances with the talent on the rosters. The goalies are going to have to make the easy save and the spectacular save. If a soft goal is given up then they need to shake it off and keep their focus on the game. The goalies could potentially steal the game for one of theses teams with two huge points on the line.

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 2/25/28-3/3/18

The Dallas Stars will look to gain some valuable points in the playoff race to get better positioning coming down the stretch. It won't be an easy week for the Stars, but the points are there for the taking.

The Stars will take on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. Dallas will need to have the lead entering the final period of play since they are only 1-18-1 when trailing going into the third period. The Stars need to get their power play going since the Flames have a mediocre penalty kill. Dallas wants to find a way to stop the top two lines of the Flames since they produce most of the points for the team. They should also try to get plenty of shots on goal to test the goalie of the Flames. The Stars will want to be smart with the puck and not have turnovers because the Flames have speed that can burn you especially in the transition game.

The Flames should try to have the lead entering the final period of the game since they are only 5-13-0 when trailing entering the final period. Calgary needs to finish the game better than they have been this year if they want a chance at gaining the two points. The Flames should play with some discipline since they do not have a very good penalty kill. Calgary will want to get a good game out of their goaltender since the Stars have some players that can really put the puck in the net. The Flames will need to play team defense in order to beat the Stars. 

The Stars need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. They will also need to play a good defensive game including the forwards. Dallas will need to get off to a good start, set the tone early in this one and get the first goal of the game. The Stars are going to need to find a way to get their power play going because they have too many good players on it for it to be struggling. The goalie is going to need to have a big game to keep his team in the game.

The Bolts need to play with discipline since their one weakness has been the penalty kill this year. Tampa Bay should get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game and have the momentum. The Lightning want to win the special teams battle since both teams play a solid even strength game. The Bolts goaltender will need to make some big saves throughout the game and make the easy saves too. Tampa Bay is going to need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers by making them defend in their own zone.

On Saturday night, the Stars week comes to an end with a game against the struggling St. Louis Blues. The Stars need to get off to a good start in the game, come out with some energy and be ready for a St. Louis team that has fallen out of a playoff spot. Dallas will want to win the battle at even strength since the special teams of both clubs are mediocre. The Stars should get some good goaltending with the goalie making saves and keeping them in the game. Dallas will need to have the lead entering the final period. 

The Blues absolutely need to avoid another slow start in this one and they need to be ready to play from the drop of the puck. If the Blues can get the first goal of the game then that should help the team's confidence a lot. They'll need to have the lead entering the final period of the game since they aren't the best team when trailing after the second period. The Blues goaltending is going to need to be good in this one since the Stars have a ton of offensive power. The Blues have too much fire power on their power play for them to be struggling the way they have so they should find a way to get the power play going. 

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. 

3 Things: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lightning 2/26/18

The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a pivotal game in the Atlantic Division standings tonight.  The Leafs are just four points behind the Bolts, and both teams made deadline deals.

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

1.) SPECIAL TEAMS- MAPLE LEAFS

The Maple Leafs will need to have a stellar game on special teams since their even strength play isn't spectacular. They have allowed and scored 149 even strength goals this year. The Leafs need to keep the second best power play unit off the board, while taking advantage of one of the League's worst penalty kills. Toronto needs to apply a ton of pressure and get pucks on net when on the power play.

2.) FORECHECK- LIGHTNING

The Lightning should establish their forecheck game early and often against the Leafs. Toronto will turn the puck over and make mistakes when under pressure. The Bolts need to attack the puck carrier and make sure that he is under pressure when skating up the ice or trying to clear the defensive zone. Tampa Bay needs to be aware of being to overly aggressive though because that could lead to odd man rushes through the neutral zone for the Leafs, who have a ton of speed.

3.) MITCH MARNER VS. BRAYDEN POINT- LEAFS & LIGHTNING

Mitch Marner has been on absolute fire of late so much so that he went from being on the fourth line to now playing on the top line with Auston Matthews out of the lineup. Marner has gotten his confidence back and is creating and scoring goals because he is using his speed. Brayden Point has been an important part of the Bolts team since the beginning of the season. He plays even strength minutes and on the power play unit and now with the loss of Vladimir Namestnikov, he could see even more ice time. These two young kids will be two players to keep an eye on during tonight's game.

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 2/25/18-3/3/18

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be busy this week since they have four games in six days. The good news is that three of those four games are at home.

The Lightning will start the week off with a game against Atlantic Division rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have won four straight games. On Wednesday night, the Evander Kane-less Buffalo Sabres will visit the Lightning with two points on the line. Then on Thursday night the Bolts will be in Dallas to take on the Stars, who are battling for a playoff spot. The Bolts will finish off the week with a game against the Flyers on Saturday afternoon at home.

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 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.

On Wednesday night, the last place Sabres come to town to take on the Bolts. The Lightning don't want to over look this Sabres team because that could cost them an important two points down the stretch. The Bolts should get the first goal of the game and be sure to put plenty of pressure on the Sabres since they tend to turn the puck over. The Lightning need to stay out of the penalty box even though the Sabres power play isn't one of the best, Tampa Bay's penalty kill is towards the bottom of the NHL.

Buffalo wants to play a solid road game while trying to play the role of spoiler. In order to play spoiler, they will need to make sure that they play solid defense the whole game. The Sabres need to get some good goaltending in this game since the Bolts tend to get their scoring chances. Buffalo should get off to a good start in this game with an early first goal and build their momentum from there. The Sabres need to figure out a way to get their struggling power play going and take advantage of the weak penalty kill of the Bolts.

The Bolts will travel to Dallas on Thursday night to take on the Stars, who are also battling it out for a playoff spot. The Lightning need to get a good game from the goaltender. They'll need to play a solid road game and keep the Stars in check at home, where they have been very good. The Bolts need to win the battle at even strength play since their special teams are only mediocre. Tampa Bay needs to keep an eye on Alexander Radulov and John Klingberg when they are on the ice because they can make it pretty chaotic out there.

The Stars need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. They will also need to play a good defensive game including the forwards. Dallas will need to get off to a good start, set the tone early in this one and get the first goal of the game. The Stars are going to need to find a way to get their power play going because they have too many good players on it for it to be struggling. The goalie is going to need to have a big game to keep his team in the game.

The Bolts need to play with discipline since their one weakness has been the penalty kill this year. Tampa Bay should get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game and have the momentum. The Lightning want to win the special teams battle since both teams play a solid even strength game. The Bolts goaltender will need to make some big saves throughout the game and make the easy saves too. Tampa Bay is going to need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers by making them defend in their own zone.

 The Flyers will need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Lightning by spending some time in their offensive zone. The Orange and Black are going to want to play a solid road game and keep the defensive gap pretty small. Philly wants to make sure that they get a ton of traffic in front of the net for deflections and to take the goalie's eyes away from the puck. The Orange and Black want to limit their mistakes and get some solid goaltending.