As the NHL season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins. Scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET, the game will be held at Amalie Arena, home of the Lightning. This matchup is especially important for both teams: the Lightning are looking to maintain their momentum, while the Bruins are desperate to snap their losing streak.
Game Preview
The Boston Bruins come into this game with a record of 28 wins, 28 losses, and 8 overtime losses (28-28-8). Unfortunately for the Bruins, they have struggled recently, losing their last three games, including a close 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. In contrast, the Lightning boast a strong record of 37 wins, 21 losses, and 4 overtime losses (37-21-4), and they are currently riding a wave of success, winning 10 out of their last 11 games, even averaging an impressive 4.27 goals per game during this span.
Bruins at Lightning Odds
According to BetMGM, the Bruins are underdogs in this clash, with a moneyline set at +220, while the Lightning are favored to win, with a moneyline of -275. These odds reflect the recent performance of both teams, highlighting the difficulties the Bruins have faced in their last few games. As fans prepare for the match, these figures are certainly encouraging for Lightning supporters!
Projected Goalies
In goal, the Bruins are expected to start Jeremy Swayman, who is seeking his first win since February 4th and has a career save percentage of .913. On the other side, Andrei Vasilevskiy will take the net for the Lightning. Vasilevskiy has a career save percentage of .917, but he allowed 5 goals in his last game against the Buffalo Sabres, which ended in a thrilling 6-5 victory for Tampa Bay.
Current Form
Recently, the Bruins have faced a difficult stretch where they’ve only managed to secure one win out of their last nine games, revealing some cracks in their strategy. Meanwhile, the Lightning have proven to be a formidable opponent with their high-scoring matches, recently taking down the Buffalo Sabres with a close score of 6-5. As Saturday approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Bruins can regroup or if the Lightning will continue their dominant rise in the standings.
How to Watch
The game will be televised on ABC and ESPN+, making it easy for fans to tune in and support their teams from home. This exciting matchup promises to display an intense rivalry filled with skill and heart, and fans can expect to see thrilling plays and possibly some surprising strategies from both teams.
Excitement in the Air
This game holds fantastic significance for the Bruins, who are also looking to rally their new players after several trades, including moving their captain, Brad Marchand, to the Florida Panthers. As they adjust to their new lineup, the team will face challenges but aims for a playoff wild card spot. Lightning fans, on the other hand, are looking forward to possibly extending their winning streak and solidifying their position in the league with a win against a struggling opponent.
Final Thoughts
As the day of the game approaches, the anticipation only grows. Can the Bruins rise to the occasion and reclaim their confidence, or will the Lightning continue their hot streak? With both teams having so much on the line, fans from both sides are sure to witness an electrifying battle on the ice!