The Lightning kick off an important home-and-home series tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum against the Carolina Hurricanes. For the Lightning, it is a chance to decrease their magic number for clinching a playoff spot as well as stop a losing streak. For the ‘Canes, they are holding on to the ninth position and battling for the playoff lives. There is a lot riding on both these games for each team and that should prove very entertaining.
Sounds like the struggling Lightning offense will get a major jolt tonight as Steve Downie is expected to make his return to the roster after being hurt on March 3 in Boston. He told the media this morning that he “needed to talk to the coaches, but I hope to play.” Guy Boucher confirmed that he needed to confer with the medical staff but that there was a “very good possibility he will play.” As for what Downie brings to the line up, Boucher said he brings energy, drive and physicality. Boucher said he is a big help in creating space on the ice for Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos while creating momentum for the team. Even though Boucher will have to manage his ice time, having Downie back should have a big effect on the offense.
Dwayne Roloson gets the start in net for the fifth consecutive game. Despite going 1-1-2 during this stretch of starts, Roloson has given the Bolts a chance to win. It is hard to place blame on him. Boucher said this morning that he will make a decision on tomorrow night’s starter after tonight’s game. With Carolina battling to stay alive, I would expect them to go with Cam Ward in both games.
Tampa Bay continues to get good news on the injury front as we get closer to the playoffs. Aside from Downie getting back on the ice tonight, Ryan Malone has skated the previous two days without a red jersey and has looked good. Boucher confirmed what we’ve been saying here, that he is just working on conditioning now and should make his return next week. Randy Jones, out with what is believed to be a high ankle sprain, skated for the first time today and looked comfortable. Boucher said he is actually a week ahead of schedule and may now be back before the playoffs. His timing could not be more impeccable!
After the game tonight the Lightning will board their charter and head to Raleigh. Tomorrow they are scheduled to have a meeting in the late morning and get their rest before the game at the RBC Center.
TV: Sun Sports
Radio: 620 WDAE
On the Rise: Steve Downie. Assuming he does play, and judging by the smile on his face today he will, Downie should come out flying tonight. He has missed being on the ice with his teammates and it has shown, so will his excitement to be back on it.
Thing to Keep an Eye On: Getting offensive. The main reason for Tampa Bay’s recent struggles is not a secret. The Lightning have scored three goals or more in just four of the previous 16 games, going 5-6-5 during that span. When the Bolts score two goals or less this season they have a record of 11-17-7. Score three or more, and their record skyrockets to 28-6-4. What a difference a goal makes.
Mental Ward: Former Conn Smythe Trophy-winner Cam Ward is approaching 2,000 saves this season. He needs 78 saves to reach the milestone. When he does, he will be just the fifth goaltender since the 2005-06 season to hit the mark.
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