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One last preseason game for the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight

ByBenjamin Henderson|
Apr 13, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) is congratulated by center Ross Colton (79) after he scored a goal as Detroit Red Wings left wing Dominik Kubalik (81) looks on during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Michael Eyssimont (23) is congratulated by center Ross Colton (79) after he scored a goal as Detroit Red Wings left wing Dominik Kubalik (81) looks on during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like just yesterday, the Tampa Bay Lightning started their preseason campaign. As is the case in the NHL, the preseason only lasts for a moment and the moment’s gone.

Playing the Florida Panthers for the third time this week, what should fans expect before the Lightning take the ice for real on Tuesday?

Tampa Bay Lightning: One more time

Barring something drastic, it feels like most of the roster slots for the Tampa Bay Lightning are set in stone.

As we chronicled earlier this week, the last piece of business for the Lightning to settle will be their 12th forward.

Alex Barre-Boulet, Austin Watson, Gabriel Fortier, and Waltteri Merela are the four forwards we see fighting for the last slot to be a starter.

All have had their moments throughout this preseason, but none of them shine, or stood out earlier this week against Florida. Depending whether or not their fate is already sealed, expect to see all four guys featured heavily tonight.

And if their fates are not sealed, tonight‘s game could resemble what we saw in Orlando with both teams combined for 160 penalty minutes. Expect Watson in particular to show no fear and ruff it up with the Panthers.

Beyond that, all the matters night is it everyone stays healthy and is ready to go on Tuesday against the Nashville Predators.

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