WHERE: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
WHEN: 7 PM EST
MEDIA: CW44 (cable), 620 WDAE (radio)
Sandwiched between the halves of the New Jersey Devils game that started yesterday – the second half of which may be played either tomorrow or Monday, if the Lightning get their way – is this game in Philadelphia against the Flyers.
This is the third of four meetings between the clubs this season, with the Flyers having won the first two games – one game home, and the other away. Mike Smith started both games against the Flyers, although Antero Niittymaki replaced Smith in the first game between the two clubs. Niittymaki is expected to make his first career start against his old club since leaving Philadelphia last summer.
Ryan Malone had left the game in New Jersey with what was called a leg contusion. It was later revealed that he had been cut by Martin Brodeur‘s skate. He had been expected to come back in that game before it was postponed. Look for him to be back in the lineup tonight.
Jeff Halpern also returns to the ice tonight from one of those ubiquitous “lower body” injuries. He has been out of the lineup since December 18th when the team played the Blues in St. Louis. At the time of publishing, it was unclear who would be sitting so that he may play, although it’s likely that Brandon Bochenski will either sit or be sent back down to Norfolk.
Martins Karsums is reportedly on waivers. In theory, to be brought up to Tampa Bay, but they could also be trying to get rid of him. If it is for the intention of being brought up to the big club to play, who he replaces or for what purpose, no one’s entirely sure. That information has yet to be released.
On defense, Andrej Meszaros was a healthy scratch in New Jersey. The team wants more out of him and felt that it was in his best interest to sit and watch the game. Chances are, since the game at Newark wasn’t completed, he will sit again tonight.
Other than Niittymaki starting and Halpern playing, I would expect the rest of the lineup to stay the same.
OTHER PREVIEWS
Tampa Bay Lightning official team preview
Lightning vs Flyers preview [TSN]
Broad Street Hockey [SB Nation Philidelphia Flyers site]
