It's the last time the Lightning will face the former Thrashers franchise as a divisional opponent. Though it wasn't storied, and the games never meant much - it was more of a rivalry than most will admit.
The Bolts send two of their top prospects back to the AHL affiliate as the Crunch prepare for the playoffs.
The Lightning went into Raleigh with a retooled lineup and a new netminder, while some things stayed the same for the Lightning (allowing too many shots on goal), other things changed drastically (a shutout by a Tampa Bay netminder).
The Tampa Bay Lightning could take a lesson from the Ottawa Senators in overcoming; the Sens are among the top teams in the league in spite of a load of casualities to key players.
Opening a three-game road trip through Canada, the Lightning may feel good about recent wins at home but they haven't done anything yet to think they've turned a corner.
The Bolts defense gets a boost with Sami Salo's return, and Ryan Malone has rejoined the team, and the Lightning make a recall in light of Benoit Pouliot's injury.
