Contrary to speculation, the new ownership group has implemented no notable alterations to the Lightning. No fear: It's status quo in Hockey Bay!
Cats at Bolts: 7:30p, St. Pete Times Forum, FSN-FL
Panthers: 20-16-7 47P, T-2nd in SE Lightning: 14-20-10 38P, 3rd in SE
LAST 10: FLA: 4-3-3 TAM: 5-4-1
HOME & AWAY: FLA (A): 10-11-3 TAM: (H): 5-7-7
SEASON SERIES: Game 5 of 6
Another game with potential to be a genuine crowd-pleaser, the Lightning have begun to recover from a tough start to a tougher season, while the Cats attempt to build upon a solid foundation established in the past few weeks.
"The shootouts are hurting us a little bit; we' re dropping some points."
- Coach Pete, following Friday's loss to Philadelphia
Thunderbug (right) visits with a Lightning Ice Girl before a recent game.
BATTERED AND BRUISED
Again, Murphy is healthy but out of the active lineup. All others remain on the shelf.
DIVISIONALLY SPEAKING
WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?
- As we're all aware, The Flyers took a two goal lead, lost it, and dragged their feet into a shootout whereupon Simon Gagne put away the Panthers 3-2 (SO). Forgetting the final ten minutes of the first period, Florida showed real heart and determination in clawing their way back into this one, a game which could have gotten far out of hand quickly. Yet another contest the Cats would have lost in regulation six weeks ago. Dueling D-men Bryan McCabe and Jay Bouwmeester scored to even it up, while Tomas Vokoun shook off the cobwebs in net, settling down and keeping it interesting. A point is a point, and Florida is now tied with Carolina, while holding two games in hand.
- Kovy had two goals and an assist at home to nudge his Thrashers over the visiting Leafs 4-3 in OT, staying within three points of idle Tampa Bay. Toronto now holds 41 points, good for 11th in the East.
- The host Penguins' Matt Cooke (2g) outscored Anaheim, defeating the listless Ducks 3-1. We now dislike Mr. Cooke, as he pushed Pittsburgh into the eighth spot in the conference. Crosby wasn't even playing. And Chris Pronger...minus-3???
TODAY IN THE SOUTHEAST
The entire division is on the ice tonight:
- Carolina (47P) @ Buffalo (48P), 7p. Don't need to explain this one. We're all Sabres fans tonight. Sort of. Not really. I'm out.
- Boston @ Washington, 7p. Epic.
- Atlanta @ Nashville, 8p. The Preds are 4 points of the eighth spot in the West. Thrashers? Not so much.
THE CHASE FOR EIGHTH...AND BEYOND
- Hurricanes/Sabres is the only candidate; ramifications will affect the final third of the Eastern playoff spots.
KEEP AN EYE ON...
- Detroit @ San Jose, 10:30p. The best in the west separated by a single point. The cliched Conference Final matchup?
LITTER BOX LINERS
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Sun-Sentinel: Cats move up despite loss, Blog: Murphy to 'Blades
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Miami Herald: firing blanks in SO
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Palm Beach Post: concern over shoot-out losses
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Tampa Tribune: back to normal, Blog
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AP via NHL.com game preview
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AccuScore via The Sporting News
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Mirtle's Playoff Push
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Panthers website
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Lightning website
THE FAR REACHES OF THE BLOGOSPHERE
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Cat Scratch (FLA)
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Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)
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Boltsmag (TAM)
NEXT UP FOR THE CATS
- Buffalo @ Florida, Monday Jan. 19th, 7:30p. A classic "four-point" game with several storylines.
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