Bruins at Lightning Game Preview: No more distractions, just play the game

Game Sixty-three: Boston Bruins (28-28-8) at Tampa Bay Lightning (37-21-4)

Time: 3:00 PM EST

Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa

TV/Stream/Radio: ABC, ESPN+, 102.5 FM, Lightning App

Odds: Lightning -258

Know the Opponents: Stanley Cup of Chowder

Following practice on Friday, assistant coach Jeff Blashill was asked about the status of Victor Hedman. His answer was a verbal shrug of his shoulders, “No update, he just went through evaluations this morning, so we’ll see later on today [yesterday] whether he’s available tomorrow [today] or not.”

Well, that’s better than “he’s broken and won’t return anytime soon”. The Big Swede left the game against Buffalo in the first period and didn’t return after suffering an apparent lower-body injury. If he does miss the game, the Lightning will have some shuffling to do on defense.With five players enjoying “rest days” on Friday, there were no lines or pairings at the practice, and with it being an early puck drop, the warm-ups will likely be optional, so we’ll have to wait until warm-ups to see what is going on.

No matter what the line-up looks like, the Lightning will have to get their act together defensively to pick up another two points. With Florida and Toronto joining them in the arms race, the goal is no longer to make the playoffs, but to win the division. It’ll give them the best chance to avoid the Panthers or Leafs in the first round.

Boston officially waved the white flag yesterday as they dealt Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle, and Brad Marchand prior to the deadline. That doesn’t mean they are completely devoid of talent as David Pastrnak, Pavel Zacha, and Jeremy Swayman are still wearing the black and gold. They wouldn’t mind screwing up the Lightning’s post-season plans either. Adding Casey Mittelstadt and Henri Jokiharju will keep them competitive as well.

As for the Lightning, they had a rocky outing last game, but the offense came through for them. They’ll want to avoid the loose structure that they displayed against the Sabres if they want to pick up the victory. They’ll also want a bounce-back game from Andrei Vasilevskiy. He did lock the game down after a shaky first two periods, but he’ll be itching to get back to the form we’ve seen over the past three weeks.

Boston is also one of the few teams he has a losing record in his career against at 10-12-2. Outside of the record, he does have solid numbers with a .914 SV% and 2.70 GAA. He’s also the only goaltender in franchise history with more than four wins in their career against the Bruins. Not relevant, but an interesting stat for two teams that have been playing each other for more than 30 years.

After today, the next three games are on the road for the Bolts, and while they’ve played better away from Amalie of late, their record is still pedestrian for a playoff team. So, wrapping this home-stand with a win will send them on their way with a positive note.

With all of the trade deadline hoopla behind them, the Lightning can focus on the task at hand – winning more hockey games. They have the team that is going to battle for the playoffs and beyond so the next twenty games need to be spent getting their on-game business in order. There will be some line tinkering along the way as Coach Cooper fits in his new acquisitions. If they can find the right combinations, they will be a tough out in the playoffs.

Potential Lines

Tampa Bay Lightning

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Boston Bruins

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