Tampa Bay Lightning host the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs – NHL Preview
The regressing Toronto Maple Leafs cannot blame anyone else but themselves if they do not qualify for the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs this season.
They have been miserable and pathetic during this and last month and have made life difficult for themselves.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay Lightning have more chances of reaching the postseason than Leafs.
Lightning have 13 more games to play in the regular season and if they manage to secure more victories, they could be playing in the playoffs.
Both these teams are going to face each other on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Leafs
Out of the their last 17 games, Leafs have only won two and are currently on a five-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Boston Bruins (5-4), Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2), Philadelphia Flyers (1-0 after shootout), Washington Capitals (2-0) and
Florida Panthers (5-2).
Leafs are ranked at 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with 68 points after 70 games and are 10 points behind the eighth-ranked Washington Capitals.
Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Lightning are ranked between Leafs and Capitals.
Leafs are experiencing one of their worst slumps and that is why different observers are expecting them to be eliminated from the playoff contention quite soon.
Lightning
Although they are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, they still have an opportunity to reach the playoffs.
Lightning have 71 points after 69 games and have won three out of six games played this month.
In their last game, Lightning outclassed the defending Stanley Cup champions, Boston Bruins.
Lightning scored four goals in the first period without conceding any. The lead was increased in the next period when Tampa Bay added another goal.
Both teams scored apiece in the final period as Lightning won the game.
Tampa Bay’s centre, Steven Stamkos, is in top form and if he keeps on going, the team will certainly have a healthy advantage over all the opponents during the rest of the games.
Predictions
Lightning can easily rattle the lowly Leafs.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Leafs win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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