Bolts Return From the Bye to Welcome​ The Knights

By Jake Ricker

Overview

The Tampa Bay Lightning (31-10-3) will take on the Vegas Golden Knights (29-11-3) tonight, as the Bolts will look to return with a bang. Meanwhile, the Knights will look to bounce back from 2 straight losses. Last time these two teams faced off it was Vegas who squeezed out the victory in the final seconds, we should be in for another good one tonight. Let’s take a look at their game plans before they get set to face off.

The Rematch

This will be the second and final time these two teams get set to square off and last time was an absolute thriller. Vegas won by a score of 4-3 and 6 of those goals came on the powerplay so both teams will look to avoid the box as much as possible. The Knights scored the game-winning goal with just seconds left on the clock so the Bolts will really be looking to get revenge and even the series. These are the two best teams in the NHL going at it and some have even speculated that it could be a preview of the Stanley Cup Final. With all that in mind, we should be in for another fantastic game tonight as this time Vegas enters the Bolts home for round 2.

 

Tampa’s Outlook and Past

The Bolts have been off for a week now and will look to avoid being rusty in a showdown between the two top teams in the NHL. The Bolts have won 2 of their last 5 games and have not played their best hockey as of late. Tonight’s game will be an even bigger challenge as the Bolts have let up 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games and are without star defenseman Victor Hedman. They can maintain their lead at the top of the NHL with another win tonight. After tonight, the Bolts will start the longest road trip of the season at a whopping 8 games. (this is due to the All-Star Game and the bolts will get an 8 game home stand later in the season.)

Three Keys To The Game

1. Step Up

With Hedman out its time for everyone to step up and help fill the loss of our Norris caliber defensemen.

2. Better Starts

Vegas is a very good team and we have been starting slow lately. Time to start with some energy.

3. Star Power

It’s time for Stamkos, Kucherov ,Vasy and Johnson to help right the ship and start winning again.

Projected Lines: 

Offense 

Kunitz – Stamkos – Kucherov

Palat – Point – Johnson

Killorn – Gourde – Namestnikov

Conacher – Paquette – Callahan

Defense

Koekkoek – Stralman

Sergachev – Girardi

Coburn – Dotchin

Goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy:  27-7-2   GAA: 2.18   SV%: .930 (Unconfirmed)

 

Injuries

Victor Hedman (Out 3-6 Weeks)

 

Vegas’s Outlook and Past

The Knights hit a speed bump recently but would like to get right back up to speed tonight. The Knights will look to get their offense up to speed after being shutout by the Preds as they take on a high-powered Bolts offense. The Knights have the 13th best PK unit (82%) and will look to continue that success against the Bolts who are the third best on the powerplay (24.2%). They can pull within 2 points of the top-seeded Bolts with a win tonight. The Knights will have 2 more road games before heading back to Vegas.

Three Keys To The Game

1. Stay out of the Box

Last time these two teams played all but one goal came on the powerplay. The Knights will want to avoid this if they want another chance at beating the Bolts.

2. Power Play Success

As mentioned before the last time these two got together vegas scored all of their goals on the power play, look for them to continue that success tonight

3. Jonathan Marchessault

Marchessault has been great for the Knights this season leading the team in points, assist and is 3erd in goals. Look for him to have the puck at all times when he’s on the ice.

Projected Lines

Offense 

Smith – Karlsson – Marchessault

Perron – Haula – Neal

Lindberg – Carpenter – Tuch

Noseck – Bellemare – Carrier

 

Defense

McNabb – Schmidt

Theodore – Engelland

Miller – Hunt

 

Goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury:  9-3-2  GAA: 1.77   SV%: .943 (Confirmed)