Game 9: Tampa Bay Lightning (6-2-0) At Philadelphia Flyers (3-6-0)

The Lightning have gotten off to a red hot start to the season, but most of it has been within the friendly confines of their home rink. now they take their explosive offense on the road to see if they can continue their success. Winning on the road was what prevented the Bolts from making a return trip to the playoffs last year, as they won just 13 games on the road. This year so far they are 1-1 and are about to embark on a four game road trip that will tell us a bit more about how serious this team is about contending this year. Up first, the rival Flyers for the second of third meetings and the only meeting in Philly this year. The Bolts disposed of the Flyers 5-1 just over a week ago, and held them scoreless over the last 59 minutes of the game. Despite the Flyers dissapointing 3-6 record they still have a winning record at home, at 2-1.

These two teams normally give us at least one classic a year. Two years ago it was the 8-7 thriller, last year it was the 2-1 overtime game where Philly famously stalled for the whole first period in defiance of the Lightnings defensive system. So be prepared for a possible thrilling matchup tonight. The Bolts are 7-2 in their past 9 against the Flyers.

Head to Head
Goals Per Game: Flyers: 2.33 (22nd) Lightning: 4.88 (1st)
Goals against per game: Flyers: 2.89 (19th) Lightning: 2.63 (15th)
Shots per game: Flyers: 27.3 (25th) Lightning: 29.1 (16th)
Shots against per game: Flyers: 29.6 (16th) Lightning: 32.3 (26th)
Save Percentage: Flyers: .902 (18th) Lightning: .919 (9th)
Power Play: Flyers: 18.6% (16th) Lightning: 36.1% (1st)
Penalty Kill: Flyers: 73.8 (24th) Lightning: 83.3% (10th)

Around the Southeast: The Panthers play The Jets in Winnipeg in a division matchup and the Caps are at home the face the Maple Leafs. The Hurricanes have off after winning yesterday.