Struggling Tampa Bay Lightning host the regressing Boston Bruins – NHL Preview
Tampa Bay Lightning’s dream of qualifying for the playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) season 2011-12, cannot be fulfilled if they keep on surrendering against the feeble opponents.
After impressively starting the month of March, they seem to have lost their way and are helpless at the moment.
The struggling Lightning can register a comeback as they are going to face the regressing Boston Bruins on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida.
Bruins, on the other hand, are determined to get victories and will certainly put a strong challenge for Lightning.
Here is a look at both teams.
Lightning
Lightning are on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Ottawa Senators (7-3), Washington Capitals (3-2 in overtime) and Carolina Hurricanes (4-2).
Even in the victories Lightning have secured previously, their ability to defend was always questioned.
In the last game, Lightning scored two goals in the first period, but also allowed Hurricanes to score twice.
After the goalless second period, Hurricanes added two more goals in the final and got the victory.
Lightning’s coach, Guy Boucher, said after the game:
“We can't push more than we pushed today. Our guys had no more juice at the end. They gave everything they had. Our players were up for the challenge, it just didn't turn our way."
Lightning are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 69 points after 68 games.
Bruins
Bruins are ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 83 points after 68 games.
Their performance, however, has been on and off during the last few months, and such a game-play from the defending Stanley Cup champions certainly questions their ability to win the honour again.
They are currently on a two-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Washington Capitals (4-3) and Pittsburgh Penguins (5-2).
Penguins got a three-goal lead in the first period and added a goal each in the next two periods. Bruins could only score two goals in the second period and spent the rest of the game goalless.
During the game, Bruins replaced their goaltender, Tim Thomas, with Marty Turco. Coach, Claude Julien, said of this development:
"I think it was a good opportunity for Marty to go in. When you're down by three goals against Pittsburgh, give the guy an opportunity. I wanted to see how he responded. Tim's played a lot lately. It was an opportunity to give him some rest."
Predictions
Bruins can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
In case of Lightning’ victory, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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