Game 7: Winnipeg Jets (3-3-1) At Tampa Bay Lightning (5-1-0)

Off to their best start since their magical stanley cup season eight years ago, the Bolts face a team whom they have dominated over the past three season, and who has struggled mightily on the road overall during the same stretch. The Jets won only fourteen road games in their first season in Winnipeg, a stark contrast to their 23 home wins. Now the 2013 season is starting out much the same way for the Jets who sport a 1-3 road record compared to a 2-1 home record. That includes allowing a five goal third period on the road against the Panthers last night, who were the worst offensive team in the league before the outburst. So the question is if the worst offense in the NHL can score that much against the Jets number one goalie, how many goals can the best offense in the NHL put up against the Jets backup goalie? That is assuming backup Al Montoya gets the start, but even if Pavalec gets the nod, how effective will he be starting on back to back nights, and is his career 3-10 record against the Bolts worth giving him the nod? Montoya has started one game this year and got the win, but allowed four goals on only 25 shots.

Meanwhile the Bolts goaltending has been nothing short of stellar over the past two games, with a 1.5 GAA in those two games, and the simple fact that all three goals have been very fluky goals. The Lightning haven't allowed a "legitimate" goal since the second period against Ottawa. Lindbacks season stats are up to 4-1 with a 2.8 GAA and .914 save percentage. The question is will Lindback get the nod tonight? Its pretty much a guarantee Garon will start one of the next two games, and it wouldnt shock me in the least if it was tonight. Saving Lindback for tomorrow against the much tougher Rangers would certainly be a nod of confidence in his favor.

Then there's the Lightnings dominance over the Jets/Thrashers over the past few seasons. The Bolts are 14-3 over this franchise over the past seventeen games, including 8-0-1 at home. it doesnt matter what city they play in, the Bolts always play well against this team. I am personally attending this game (and tomorrow nights) and the Lightning have played simply stunning lately in games ive gone to. they are 13-2 in the last 15 games Ive gone to, and 9-1 in the last ten, scoring 3.7 GPG in those 15 games. Im feeling another win tonight, but tomorrow, another game Im attending, is going to be the toughest game of the season to date, we'll see what that one holds. One more not, Since San Jose offense has cooled considerably, the Lightning lead the league in goals per game by almost a full goal (4.83 to 3.86 for second place San Jose)

Head to Head
Goals per game: Jets: 3.00 (10th in NHL) Lightning: 4.83 (1st in NHL)
Goals against per game: 3.29 (24th in NHL) Lightning: 2.50 (9th in NHL)
Shots per game: Jets: 29.6 (13th in NHL) Lightning: 29.3 (15th in NHL)
Shots against per game: Jets: 31.1 (21st in NHL) Lightning: 33.2 (27th in NHL)
Save Percentage: Jets: 89.4 (23rd in NHL) Lightning: 92.5 (4th in NHL)
Power Play: Jets: 20% (14th in NHL) Lightning: 30% (5th in NHL)
Penalty Kill: Jets: 63.6% (30th in NHL) Lightning: 86.7% (5th in NHL)

Around the southeast: The last place in the entire eastern conference powerhouse Washington Capitals head home to face the Flyers after another hilarious 3rd period meltdown yesterday against Toronto. The Hurricanes are also home to face Ottawa. Florida has off after tiring out the Jets for us last night.