The (almost) anniversary of the amazing; Bolts at Anaheim Ducks preview

by John Fontana on Nov 3, 2010 1:24 PM EDT in Game Previews

WHERE: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
WHEN: 10 PM EDT
MEDIA: Sun Sports (cable), 620 WDAE (radio)
OPPONENT COVERAGE: Anaheim Calling, Battle of California

Just about 16 days shy of a year ago, the Lightning were in Anaheim, California on another western trek... They'd battled the Phoenix Coyotes in their previous game on the west coast during that trip as well...

But a funny thing happened on the way to a 4-3 overtime loss to the Ducks. Well, not so funny.

Amazing.

Breathtaking.

Was it the goal of the year? Maybe. Too bad Lightning fans didn't see it live, as there was no local coverage of the game in the Tampa Bay area. That won't be the case tonight as Sun Sports will be broadcasting.

But, even though there was no need for it, November 19th was when Steven Stamkos announced to the rest of the NHL that he was for real and to look out.

Video of the goal is below the jump as well as the rest of tonight's preview.

The Lightning are currently 1-1-0 against the Western Conference in their two games so far: The home loss to Nashville and their road victory in Phoenix on Saturday night. And even though the Bolts sit atop the Eastern Conference, I still will not take a lowly Anaheim team (sitting in 14th place in the conference) lightly. Not after last season where the West schooled the East over, and over, and over again.

Speaking of which, the Anaheim power play is only a tenth of a percentage point behind the Lightning (23.8% conversion rate for the Ducks, as to 23.9 for the Bolts). That leaves them tied for 5th in the NHL with Vancouver. On the Penalty-kill, however, they are ranked 22nd in the league with an 80.7 kill rate. The Bolts are ranked 20 points higher (90.7) when playign with a disadvantage.

There hasn't been an announcement who will start in net. The Bolts play again tomorrow night, in Los Angeles, so whomever starts tonight (Dan Ellis or Mike Smith), expect the other to start tomorrow at Staples Center.

Other Previews

Tampa Bay Lightning official team preview

Bolts 2 Cup

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Comments

I wonder...

If Smith starts tonight, lets say he wins or loses 3-2. Then if Ellis starts tomorrow in Los Angeles, will his shutout streak continue? He’s gotta have about 110 minutes going? Or close to that mark

by Killhowe on Nov 3, 2010 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Any minutes Ellis plays

Counts for Dan Ellis. If the TEAM allows goals, it’s own shutout streak ends. That’s all.

"The Force is strong with this one..." Yzerman is Jedi
Raw Charge.

by John Fontana on Nov 3, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Bolts are well rested, I expect a strong game

I’m hoping they come out flying and don’t take a whole period to get their legs under them. A fast start could lead to an easier final to periods with the Back to back tomorrow night. Love that Stamkos goal.

Don in St Pete

by Don in St Pete on Nov 3, 2010 8:50 PM EDT reply actions