Utah at Lightning Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning (41-25-5) will take on the Utah Hockey Club (32-28-11) tonight at 7 P.M. in Tampa. This is the second matchup for these two teams in the past six days. Their last game was just five days ago, with Utah taking a 6-4 win. The Lightning are looking for redemption, with the possibility of striking back tonight.

https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/1905243417568833603

Tonight’s game will be the first matchup between these two franchises in Tampa since Utah joined the NHL before this season. After an upsetting away game against Utah for Tampa Bay, the Lightning are read to bring a win home. Utah is coming off a 5-1 loss against Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday while Tampa Bay is coming off a 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

In terms of statistics, the Lightning are 1-for-3 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the penalty kill versus Utah through one game this season. Utah won 52.3% of all faceoffs in the initial matchup. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, outshot Utah 27 to 25.

The Lightning have many players to watch tonight. Two, in particular, have the potential to be standouts tonight, based on their last five games. Nikita Kucherov currently leads Tampa Bay in points (8) and assists (5). A notable milestone was also reached for him recently, having scored 101 points after a three-point night. Anthony Cirelli also leads the team in goals (4). Brandon Hagel may also be one to keep an eye on, having chipped in 33 goals and 46 assists for the Lightning throughout the season.

Utah Hockey Club also has some players to look out for tonight. Based on their last five games, Logan Cooley leads Utah in points (7) and goals (4). Nick Schmaltz leads the team in assists (5). Clayton Keller has also registered 24 goals and 54 assists for Utah this season.

Mac Attack

Tonight’s game also marks a grand milestone for a certain Lightning player. Defenseman and alternate captain, Ryan McDonagh, “Mac” is expected to play in his 1,000th career NHL game. McDonagh has been an impactful bolt for the Lightning. He has played an integral role in the team’s success this season and has been on two Stanley Cup teams.

https://twitter.com/TBLightning/status/1905283399025049913

Where to Watch

Tune in to FanDuel Sports Network to watch tonight’s game at 7 P.M.

The Lightning will play again on Saturday, March 29th against the New York Islanders.