Game 10: Tampa Bay Lightning (6-3-0) At New Jersey Devils (5-1-3)

The Lightning take their two game losing streak into New Jersey looking for their first win since Friday night. The Devils meanwhile have been of to a pleasantly surprising start, losing only one game in regulation and have earned at least a point in all four of their home games. The Devils are the defending eastern conference champions, but few expect them to repeat that success this season, many experts even expect them to miss the playoffs. The ageless Martin Brodeur has been impressive with a 2.52 GAA, and so has backup Johan Hedberg who in limited time has a 0.48 GAA. We have documented how the Lightning have dominated some of their recent opponents the last few years, and been dominated by others. Their was their bad record against Ottawa, and great records against winnipeg and Philly. Unfortunately the Devils are a team that has beat up on the Bolts the last few years. New Jersey has won 16 of the past 19 games against the Bolts.

Anders Lindback will be between the pipes for the Bolts, who has an average 2.73 GAA for the season, but a more impressive 2.04 GAA over his past four starts. Hopefully he can keep up the success hes been having tonight.

The Lightning are 0-3 this season in one goal games and 6-0 in games decided by more than two goals. While their ability to blow out teams has been impressive, they will need to find a way to win the close ones also.

The Devils offense has been led by surprise David Clarkson whose 7 goals match the output of Steven Stamkos. Stamkos by the way, is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. 

Head to Head
Goals Per game: Devils: 2.56 (16th) Lightning: 4.44 (1st)
Goals against per game: Devils: 2.11 (5th) Lightning: 2.56 (12th)
Shots per game: Devils: 26.3 (28th) Lightning: 28.3 (19th)
Shots against per game: Devils: 27.0 (6th) Lightning: 31.3 (25th)
Save percentage: Devils: .922 (7th) Lightning: .918 (10th)
Power Play: Devils: 15.8% (19th) Lightning: 32.5% (2nd)
Penalty Kill: Devils: 86.7% (7th) Lightning: 84.2% (10th)

Around the southeast: The Caps head into Pittsburgh to face the Penguins who just beat them a few days ago. Carolina goes into Ottawa to play the Senators and Florida plays the Flyers in Philly. The Jets are the only southeast team playing at home tonight as they are facing the Maple Leafs.