Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Game #77 - vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Game 77
Lightning (30-34-12, 72 points) at Penguins (44-25-7, 95 points)

Why does it matter?
Because it should be two points in the bank. The Lighting are playing out the string, they're not good on the road to begin with, and the Pens are in the driver's seat for the Atlantic division. If they win their remaining games, they will earn the crown (and either the #2 or #3 seed).

What has been happening lately?
  • Pens - The first two games into the 6 game home stand have yielded four points.
  • Lightning - They're not technically eliminated, but they sure are playing like it.
Questions to be answered
  • Can the Pens stay up for this game? Allowing four goals to the Leafs at home on Sunday was not a good sign.
  • Will Geno and Sarge return?
  • Can we get some consistency on the defensive side? The goals against totals for the past while have been all over the map.
Keys to the game
  • Take them seriously. The Lightning would love to make playoff teams unhappy, especially when home ice could be influenced.
  • Get the power play onto the ice and then execute. This is a must heading into the post-season.
  • Get Fleury some support. No mental mistakes like unmarked men in front of Flower or bad line changes.

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