Final
Lightning eye 100-point season against Panthers
Apr 8, 2011 - 3:21 PM (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning have a chance at reaching the century mark for just the second time in franchise history when they host the lowly Florida Panthers tonight at St. Pete Times Forum.The Lightning are currently sitting on 99 points, giving the club its second- highest total ever after a 106-point campaign in 2003-04. Of course, Tampa Bay also won the franchise's first and only Stanley Cup in the spring of '04.
Tampa is currently the fifth seed in the East and can fall no further than that in the conference standings. The Bolts have only a slim chance of catching Pittsburgh for the East's fourth seed, as the Penguins, who play tonight against the New York Islanders, are four points ahead of Tampa with two games left for both teams.
The Lightning had a five-game winning streak halted in their last trip to the ice, losing Tuesday's 4-2 decision in Buffalo. Thomas Vanek notched a hat trick to help the Sabres post the victory at HSBC Arena.
Vincent Lecavalier and Ryan Malone each had a goal for the Lightning, while Dwayne Roloson stopped 20 shots in the loss.
"We were missing the net and didn't shoot when we were in the offensive zone so it's our fault that we lost," said Tampa Bay head coach Guy Boucher. "And it helps them that they have a goaltender that is playing well."
This evening's test is Tampa's final home game of the regular season. The Lightning, who will complete their schedule tomorrow in Carolina, are 24-11-5 as the host this year.
Lightning defensemen Victor Hedman and Eric Brewer are questionable for tonight's tilt. Brewer has sat out the last two games, while Hedman suffered his injury against Buffalo.
The Panthers, meanwhile, have lost their last nine games (0-6-3) and are in the midst of their worst slide since an 0-8-4 stretch from Oct. 27-Nov. 23, 2005. Florida's skid has dropped the club into last place in the Eastern Conference and the Panthers come into today trailing the Islanders by two points for the 14th seed.
Florida has been outscored by a 13-5 margin over its last three tests and was dealt a 5-2 loss Wednesday evening in Washington. The Capitals scored just 1:20 into the game and expanded that lead to 4-0 by the early stages of the third period.
Scott Clemmensen yielded four goals on 24 shots for Florida, while David Booth and Mike Santorelli scored in the losing effort.
The Panthers have a dreadful 14-22-4 road record this year and are playing their final away game of the season tonight. Florida will complete its 2010-11 schedule tomorrow against visiting Washington.
- FLORIDA: 2
TAMPA BAY: 4
Final
Apr 8 10:04 PM - FLORIDA: 1
TAMPA BAY: 4
End of 2nd
Apr 8 9:10 PM - Tampa Bay Power-Play Goal - Pavel Kubina (4), from Ryan Malone and Steve Downie at 15:06.
Panthers 1, Lightning 4 2nd - 4:54Apr 8 9:00 PM - FLORIDA: 1
TAMPA BAY: 2
End of 1st
Apr 8 8:17 PM - Tampa Bay Power-Play Goal - Vincent Lecavalier (23), from Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos at 4:08.
Panthers 0, Lightning 1 1st - 15:52Apr 8 7:45 PM - FLORIDA: 0
TAMPA BAY: 0
1st Period - 20:00
Apr 8 7:38 PM
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