We have a few factors in the Panthers-Lightning matchup. The most notorious is Tampa Bay new coach Rick Tocchet bidding for his first win in his second try and on home ice. You also have the revenge factor since the two teams played last week.
Florida won last week meeting 4-0 against Tampa Bay while Barry Melrose was still in charge. Goalie Craig Anderson got the SO win for Florida.
The Panthers have some health concerns. First, struggling no 1 goalie Tomas Vokoun gets the call. Vokoun is just returning from a bad back, not sure he will be sharp. Scoring winger Corey Stillman is back on the sidelines after coming back for just 2 games. Center Stephen Weiss is playing through injury.
Well, the last 2 wins by the Panthers were by goalie Craig Anderson. Vokoun is 3-8 with a 2.93 GAA while Anderson is 3-1 with a 2.08 GAA. The backup goalie is outplaying the no 1 goalie, health one of the reasons why. Vokoun won for the last time on october 24, a span of 5 games. Tampa Bay is playing his first home game since coaching change, we should see some energy. Lightning is in a good spot to give new coach first win. They are in a revenge situation against Florida and this time face a goalie looking for his marks. Tampa Bay can play Florida tough tonight, Panthers don't have much fire power on offense right now. I like the Lightning chances, they can outscore this team. Time for the players to impress new coach.
Tampa Bay (-140)
Florida won last week meeting 4-0 against Tampa Bay while Barry Melrose was still in charge. Goalie Craig Anderson got the SO win for Florida.
The Panthers have some health concerns. First, struggling no 1 goalie Tomas Vokoun gets the call. Vokoun is just returning from a bad back, not sure he will be sharp. Scoring winger Corey Stillman is back on the sidelines after coming back for just 2 games. Center Stephen Weiss is playing through injury.
Well, the last 2 wins by the Panthers were by goalie Craig Anderson. Vokoun is 3-8 with a 2.93 GAA while Anderson is 3-1 with a 2.08 GAA. The backup goalie is outplaying the no 1 goalie, health one of the reasons why. Vokoun won for the last time on october 24, a span of 5 games. Tampa Bay is playing his first home game since coaching change, we should see some energy. Lightning is in a good spot to give new coach first win. They are in a revenge situation against Florida and this time face a goalie looking for his marks. Tampa Bay can play Florida tough tonight, Panthers don't have much fire power on offense right now. I like the Lightning chances, they can outscore this team. Time for the players to impress new coach.
Tampa Bay (-140)
