Determined Tampa Bay Lightning face Boston Bruins – NHL Preview
The defending Stanley Cup champions, Boston Bruins, are well on the course of reaching the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs this season as well and after getting strayed from the winning momentum, they are gradually recovering.
A game against Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, could provide Bruins further boost.
As for Lightning, playoff hopes are not over, but they have very slim chances of playing in the postseason.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Bruins
They are ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 91 points after 75 games.
Out of the last five games, Bruins have won four and are currently on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Los Angeles Kings (4-2) and Anaheim Ducks (3-2).
In the game against Ducks, Boston got two goals in the second period while giving away one and both teams scored apiece in the final period.
Bruins’ goalie, Marty Turco, who has recently joined the team, said after the game:
"When I first got here, this team wasn't firing on all cylinders. But now the guys are playing like they can and imposing their will. Defence is what makes this team tick, and this team's defence comes with attitude. So it is a real treat having these guys
in front of me.”
Lightning
They are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 77 points after 75 games and are seven points behind the eighth-ranked Washington Capitals.
They are in a must-win situation, but even the victories in all the remaining games cannot guarantee a playoff berth for Lightning.
Lightning are presently on a three-game winning streak with the victories coming against Edmonton Oilers (3-2 after shootout), New York Islanders (4-3) and Philadelphia Flyers (5-3).
In the game against Flyers, Lightning got a good start as they scored twice in the first period without conceding any goal.
Flyers, however, responded in the second by equalising the score.
In the final period, Lightning scored three goals while giving away one to win the game.
Lightning’s Steven Stamkos said after the game:
"In this position, you always have to just keep playing. You never know what can happen, and we still have a chance. Until we don't have one, we have to play like we do, and it's working out for now.”
Predictions
Bruins have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Lightning win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
Tags: