Bruins vs Lightning: keys to the game

The Bruins and Lightning will play each other again today but this time its a matinee hockey game. Matinee games havnt always gone well for the Bruins and the fans dont really rock the house in the middle of the day either.

The Lightning have had an impressive season so far posting a 12-4 record. How did the Lightning turn around so quick? Well Steven Stamkos leads the league in goals which is always a help, though, he did last year too. A huge factor is goalie Ben Bishop. Bishop, a University of Maine product, has 11 of the Lightnings 12 wins and a 2.12 GAA.

The Bruins have beat the Lightning both times the teams have faced off this season though. It will be interesting to see who comes out ahead in this one.

Keys:

1) Shut Stamkos Down. It seems redundant and it almost goes without saying but the Bruins need to be aware of Steven Stamkos. Stamkos is the most dangerous player in the NHL and he tries hard for his team every game. Whenever Stamkos is on the ice, Chara or Seidenberg have to be too.

2) Bishop. Ben Bishop hasnt been able to figure out the Bruins yet. But now he has more confidence and the stats to support that confidence. Bishop will probably look to play hard and prove himself against the Bruins. If the Bruins can get in his head, then they will continue to own Ben Bishop.

Projected Lines

Marchand-Bergeron-Eriksson
Lucic-Krejci-Iginla
Soderberg-Kelly-Smith
Paille-Campbell-Thornton

Boychuck-Chara
Hamilton-Seidenberg
Krug-Bartkowski

Tuukka Rask