The Lightning returned from their West Coast trip as one of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams, securing control of the conference’s first wild-card playoff spot amid a challenging race. With 11 games remaining in the regular season, they held a six-point lead over the Capitals for the first wild-card position and trailed the Maple Leafs by four points for third place in the Atlantic Division. Both Toronto and Washington played on Tuesday, potentially closing in on Tampa Bay’s lead.
Despite the stiff competition, the Lightning bolstered their position by going 4-0-1 on their five-game trip, eliminating the games in hand advantage for their pursuers. However, their upcoming schedule presents further challenges, including matchups against the Bruins, Islanders, and Red Wings, all teams with significant stakes in the postseason race.
Boston, in particular, is vying for the Atlantic Division title, albeit coming off two consecutive regulation losses for the first time in three months. Historically, the Bruins have served as a barometer for the Lightning’s performance, with this season showcasing both impressive victories and disappointing losses against them. As they face off for the final time in the regular season, both teams are eager to secure crucial points.
In anticipation of the matchup, here are four key aspects to observe:
Penalty Kill Performance: The Lightning’s penalty kill has been exceptional, boasting a remarkable 96.7% success rate over their last nine games, providing significant momentum for the team. Conversely, the Bruins have struggled on the power play, scoring just 3 goals in their previous six games, a trend that could impact their offensive output.
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