Tampa BAE Lightning Game 66: Rooting Interests

The Tampa Bay Lightning are continuing their road trip as they face off against the Bruins tonight at 7 PM inside TD Garden.

The Lightning are coming off another loss this time to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bolts defense continued to sag, the big guns didn’t score (Kuch didn’t even play), and the Bottom 6 fought valiantly, but couldn’t do it alone. And so the losing streak continues to 3 games.

Enter the Boston Bruins. You’ll recall the Bruins thumped the Bolts in Tampa 4-0 just a week ago. Since then, the Bruins have played twice. Losing to Ottawa, but beating Florida. This is very likely the final team we will see the Boston Bruins this season. The series is 2-1 in favor of Boston. I’d love to see the Bolts get the win and split this thing.

And I really feel like they should be able to do it! But they have been all out of sorts since the trade deadline acquisitions. While the Bruins—who I completely expected to fall apart with their roster changes—have looked alright. I mean they looked GREAT against the Bolts last weekend.

It should be an interesting game. Will Kuch play? Will the defense figure it out? Will Cooper play Raddysh and sit Perbix or Lilleberg (please)? Lots of questions and not a lot of clear cut answers.

The Bolts need to figure it out, though. And fast. The Senators are right behind them in the standings. I really don’t want to slump into the WC spot.

Speaking of the Senators, they are also playing today against Toronto of all teams. So, here is the rooting guide since I mentioned scoreboard watching at the title.

Best Result: Bolts Win in Regulation, Sens Win in Regulation.

OK Result: Bolts Lose in Regulation/OT, Sens Lose in Regulation/OT.

Worst Result: Bolts Lose in Regulation, Sens Win in OT.

It’s weird to be cheering for the team directly behind you. But when they’re facing the team you’re looking to leap frog: my enemy’s enemy is my friend.

I won’t be covering the game. It’s my birthday and I’ve got plans with Mrs. Usernmaemissing my (1st) wife.

Go Bolts!

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