Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning (38-21-6) are back in action tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks (22-37-6) in Amalie Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET. FanDuel has the Lightning heavily favored at -450 on the money line with an over/under set at 6.5.

After a hard-fought game on Thursday night, the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in OT. Thankfully, the Bolts still earned a point in the game, but suffered their seventh loss in 10 games against the Golden Knights since Vegas’ entrance in the league. Brayden Point continued to shine this season with two goals and Nikita Kucherov added one as well in the third period but it was not enough as Alec Martinez put home the game-winner for Vegas in OT. Point was able to notch his second 40-goal season of his career, putting him with the likes of Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Vincent Lecavalier as the only Bolts to have multiple 40-goal seasons. The Lightning will definitely look to right the ship tonight and grab two points against a weaker Chicago opponent.

The Blackhawks come into this matchup fresh off a game last night against the Florida Panthers.    A goal-ridden game saw the Panthers come out on top 4-3 in OT, at least giving Chicago a point for the road OT loss. Chicago is currently 1-10-0 in their second game of a back-to-back this season, so this should be a great opportunity for the Bolts to strike. The Blackhawks also continue to sit at the bottom of the Central division as they proved to be sellers at the deadline, trading away forwards Max Domi and veteran Patrick Kane.

In a meeting earlier this year on January 3rd, the Lightning scorched the Blackhawks 4-1 in Chicago. Former Blackhawk Brandon Hagel scored along with Alex Killorn, Pat Maroon, and Nick Paul in the effort. Backup goaltender Brian Elliott looked good as well, making 25 saves in the win. Elliott may even get the chance to suit up against Chicago again tonight with the Lightning heading into their first game of a back-to-back.

INJURIES: Lightning D Victor Hedman continues to be labeled day-to-day and could make a return to the ice tonight.

The Blackhawks continue to deal with a litany of injuries both short and long-term, as the full injured list can be found here.

Odds (Courtesy of FanDuel): TBL -450 ML/CHI +340 ML, O 6.5 +100/U 6.5 -120

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 11, 2023, 7:00 p.m. ET