Tonight Florida has a chance to make it three in a row, a feat they have been unable to accomplish since dispatching the San Jose Sharks, the Washington Capitals and the Boston Bruins near the beginning of December. Meanwhile the Lightning look to gain the .500 plateau, a mark that has eluded them since a three game home winning streak culminating in a New Years Eve victory against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Injuries:
Ed Jovanovski will miss two months with hand surgery rehab. Scottie Upshall had sports hernia surgery on February 2 and is expected back near the middle of March. Jacob Markstrom had knee surgery and may be back next month. Dmitry Kulikov had knee surgery on Jan. 23 and is also out until March. Jack Skille has missed the past two games with his shoulder problem and may be back in the lineup next week. Marco Sturm, recently returned from a concussion, is back on the IR with a lower body injury.
Starting Lineup:
Forwards:
Tomas Fleischmann - Stephen Weiss - Kris Versteeg
Sean Bergenheim - Marcel Goc - Mikael Samuelsson
Mike Santorelli - Shawn Matthias - Tomas Kopecky
Matt Bradley - John Madden - Krys Barch
Defensemen:
Brian Campbell - Erik Gudbranson
Mike Weaver - Jason Garrison
Tyson Strachan - Keaton Ellerby
Goalie:
Scott Clemmensen (8-2-5) is listed as first on the depth chart, but played last night. Brian Foster may get the start, but there is no word either way.
Injuries:
Mattias Ohlund underwent arthroscopic surgery on both his knees early in the season, and isn't expected to play this year. Adam Hall hurt his arm in a fight with Ottawa's Matt Carkner about one month ago. He may return in two to four weeks. Marc-Andre Bergeron is out with an upper body injury since being scratched on Jan. 13 in Washington. Dana Tyrell tore his right ACL and is expected to return at the start of training camp in September. Ryan Malone is day to day with an upper body injury
Starting Lineup:
Forwards:
Steve Downie - Steven Stamkos - Teddy Purcell
Tom Pyatt - Vincent LeCavalier - Martin St. Louis
Nate Thompson - Dominic Moore - J.T. Wyman
Brett Connolly - Matt Gilroy - Ryan Shannon
Defensemen:
Eric Brewer - Pavel Kubina
Victor Hedman - Brett Clark
Bruno Gervais - Brendan Mikkelson
Goalie:
Mathieu Garon will get the start tonight.