In a quick turnaround, the Tampa Bay Lightning (37-19-4) face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (30-21-9) for the second time in less than a week. Puck drop will be tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena, with FanDuel posting the Bolts as a -166 money line favorite and an over/under of 6.5.
The Lightning are certainly hoping to rebound tonight after another tough loss against an Atlantic division foe on Tuesday night. The Florida Panthers claimed a 4-1 victory in Tampa Bay, shredding through the Lightning defense once again to even the season series up at two. Brayden Point scored the lone Lightning goal during a second period Power Play for his 37th of the season. The Bolts still hold firm in the third spot in the Atlantic division, however, making it more likely that they’ll face Toronto in the first round of the playoffs.
Not our night.
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 1, 2023
The Penguins come into this matchup riding a three-game win streak, one of which included a 7-3 beating of the Lightning several days ago. Tampa Bay had no response for the avalanche of scoring the Penguins unloaded as Pittsburgh continues to be a problem for the Lightning this season. Game one of the season series was another blowout in Pittsburgh by a score of 6-2 back on October 15th in favor of the Penguins. Pittsburgh likely has a sour taste in their mouth from last season after getting ousted by the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs, and they’ve definitely brought their A-game to each matchup during their revenge season.
Pittsburgh currently claims one of the top wild card spots in the Eastern conference, but must fend off a litany of teams vying for that same spot. As mentioned in previous articles, the Lightning will be facing a lot of teams gunning for those wild card spots as well as top teams already entrenched in the playoffs down the stretch. This will certainly make for a lot of compelling and hard-fought matchups, especially tonight against another team in the Penguins hoping to stay secure in their positioning.
INJURIES: Lightning winger Corey Perry was absent from practice yesterday due to a person matter, according to Bolts reporter Gabby Shirley.
UPDATE: Perry is missing from practice for a personal matter
— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) March 1, 2023
Pittsburgh LW Sam Poulin remains on IR, while C Ryan Poehling is considered day-to-day.
Odds (Courtesy of FanDuel): TBL -166 ML/PIT +138 ML, O 6.5 -122/U 6.5 +100
Where to watch: Bally Sports Sun, NHL Power Play, ESPN+
Where to listen: Lightning Radio 24/7, 102.5 MHz-FM
Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
March 2, 2023, 7:00 p.m. ET