Tampa Bay Lightning Hope To Extend Win Streak Against St. Louis Blues
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to spark a win streak as they open the doors to the Amalie Arena to take on captain David Backes and the St. Louis Blues.
The Tampa Bay Lightning was able to battle back in the final seconds of regulation on Friday night against captain Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators sending their battle to overtime. Ultimately, it would be a goal from Tyler Johnson that would seal the deal for the Lightning and bring home a 4-3 win.
Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning has an opportunity to expand on their newly-sparked win-streak and regain some of the ground the Lightning has lost in the Atlantic Division. Unfortunately, there are quite a few people who have something to say about this…namely captain David Backes and the St. Louis Blues.
This is not the first time these two teams have met in the center of the ice this season. Back on October 27th, the St. Louis Blues would blank the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. As you can imagine, this is not the outcome the Tampa Bay Lightning, or their fans for that matter, will be looking for tonight.
On Friday night while the Tampa Bay Lightning was doing battle with the Nashville Predators, the St. Louis Blues were paying a little visit to our in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers. After a strong start in the first period of play, in which the Blues would score three goals, the Blues would go on to decimate the Atlantic Division-leading Panthers 5-3.
There were a couple of names that stood out among the rest in St. Louis’ dominating win over the Panthers on Friday night. These are the players the Tampa Bay Lightning will need to be especially mindful of tonight at the Amalie Arena. The first of those names is Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko.
Tarasenko earned the first star in Friday night’s encounter after registering an assist on a goal from Jaden Schwartz in the first period (which was ultimately the game winner) and scoring a goal of his own in the second period for his 27th of the season. Vladimir Tarasenko currently leads the St. Louis Blues in terms of goals and overall points. The 24 year old Russian forward has 27 goals and 22 assists so far this season for a grand total of 49 points.
Another name that made its way to the scoreboard in Friday night’s encounter between the Blues and the Panthers is Blues captain David Backes. The 221 pound center scored the first goal of the night for the Blues just past the halfway point in the first period. Backes also registered an assist on the final goal of the night scored by left wing Alexander Steen.
On the other side of the ice, it is Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov who is leading the way for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kucherov registered a goal just past the halfway mark in the second period on Friday night against the Predators. Nikita Kucherov would also register an assist on a power play goal from Lightning captain Steven Stamkos in the final seconds of the third period, the goal which would send the encounter to overtime.
Kucherov remains tied with Steven Stamkos for the most goals on the team. When you add in Kucherov’s 25 assists so far this season, he leads the way for the Bolts with a grand total of 47 points.
Right on Kucherov’s heels is Steven Stamkos. As we mentioned before, Stamkos is tied with Kucherov with 22 goals so far this season. Add in the 20 assists the Ontario native has scored this season and the Lightning captain comes in with a grand total of 42 points so far this season.
If the Tampa Bay Lightning want to come home with a victory against the St. Louis Blues tonight, there are a few things that absolutely must happen. First and foremost, the Tampa Bay Lightning need to be aggressive with the puck and control the pace of the game. Secondly, the Lightning will need to resist hesitation, take the shot, and dig deep for any and all rebounds that may come their way.
Lastly, and arguably most importantly, the Tampa Bay Lightning will need to play a consistent 60 minutes of hockey. This has been an uphill battle for the Lightning for a good portion of the season, but as we near the end of the regular season the Lightning are going to have to dig deep and start playing like the team we saw at this same point in the season last year.
The Tampa Bay Lightning has won nine of their last 10 games at home. This definitely gives the Lightning a little extra push to beat the Blues tonight, but it is going to take grit and determination to seal the deal and send the Blues packing back to St. Louis empty handed.
The puck is scheduled to drop at an early 6:00 p.m. here in the Bolts Nation. Are you ready to Bring The Thunder for your Tampa Bay Lightning?
Next: Lightning Stumble And Fall Against Canadiens
Make sure to stay connected right here to Bolts By The Bay as we bring you all the latest Tampa Bay Lightning, news, updates, commentary, and more.