Game 20: Tampa Bay Lightning (9-9-1) At New York Rangers (8-8-2)

The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning are very possibly the two most underachieving teams so far in the NHL this season. After a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Rangers were expected to match and surpass that success this season, but that hasnt happened. they are operating at merely a point a game, same as the Lightning, and most shockingly have averaged a mere 2.39 goals per game, this a team with Brad Richards and Rick Nash, a team that was expected to have a potent offense. The Rangers got out of a slump a but but are now staring at a four game losing streak, averaging just 1.5 goals per game over that stretch.

The Lightning meanwhile, continue to slump after a 6-1 start. They are just 3-8-1 over their past 12 games, averaging 2.77 goals per game over that stretch. This slump began with a 3-2 loss against the Rangers, and despite the Rangers struggles, the Lightning are 0-2 against them this season, scoring just 3 goals in the two games, and allowing 8. One of the biggest problems over the slump has been the power play, since going 1-1 in the first loss to the Rangers February 1st, the Lightning are 4-41 on the power play in the last 11 games, 9.8%, a percentage worse than the 30th ranked power play in the league. The hot start on the power play still has the Bolts near the top of the league, but its getting close to falling below 20%.

Stamkos is now up to 30 points on the season, which would put him on pace for a staggering 129 in an 82 game season. The Rangers are led in goals by Marian Gaborik with seven, half as many as Stamkos. Gaborik also leads the team in points with 12, eighteen less than Stammer.

The Lightning will be without defenseman Sami Salo, who is day to day with a lower body injury. Salo is one of only two competent defenders on the team along with Hedman so this could mean trouble.

It appears Garon will get the start in net again, and maybe he has taken over the number one job. Despite only two wins in seven starts his GAA is far better than Lindback, 2.63 compared to 3.27.

Head to Head
Goals Per Game: Rangers: 2.39 (23rd) Lightning: 3.68 (1st)
Goals Against Per Game: Rangers: 2.56 (12th) Lightning: 3.11 (24th)
Save Percentage: Rangers: .911 (10th) Lightning: .897 (24th)
Power Play: Rangers: 11.1% (29th) Lightning: 22.1% (7th)
Penalty Kill: Rangers: 83.6% (10th) Lightning: 83.1% (13th)

Around the southeast: Hurricanes are at home facing the Penguins. The Panthers are also at home facing Buffalo, and the Jets are also at home facing the Devils. The Caps are off after losing badly last night.