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The Tampa Bay Lightning continue their six game home stand as the young and talented Chicago Blackhawks come to St. Pete Time Forum at 7:30 EST. The Blackhawks come to town without their top scorer Patrick Sharp and their number one goalie Nikolai Khabibulin.
The last time that the Blackhawks and the Lightning played one another it was November of 2007 and both teams have had some extreme makeovers, for better or for worse. The key for the Lightning tonight will be for rookie goaltender Mike McKenna to shut down the Blackhawks key scorers, Martin Havlat and Jonathan Toews, a task many goaltenders have been unable to do.
Since getting called up McKenna has played rather well with a record of 2-2-1 with a save percentage of .903 and a goals allowed average of 2.67. Although those are not big time numbers by any stretch of the imagination, you need to consider the defensive core in front of him, very you and inexperienced.
Another key for the Lightning it attacking Blackhawks goaltender Cristobal Huet who will be starting for the injured Nikolai Khabibulin. Huet has played well but does have a weak glove hand so the Lightning’s top scorers need to be aware of that and take advantage of it.
Although the Blackhawks matchup well against the Lightning the Bolts need to be aggressive and be physical against them early. If they are not then the Lightning do not stand a chance against this young and explosive Blackhawks team.
Players to Watch
Ryan Malone
Malone has scored three goals in his last two games and has been showing the Lightning management why they signed him over the offseason. The 29 year old has been shouldering much of the offensive load, averaging almost 20 minutes in ice time a game.
Malone’s scoring should be secondary to his physical play as he will be key in taking the body against the Blackhawks. If he can play with a physical edge against Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane and Kris Versteeg he will aid in the Lightnings success.
Mike McKenna
As I stated earlier McKenna will be a big part of the Lightnings success against the Blackhawks, if he can make saves early and frustrate the Blackhawks scorers then he makes the night much easier on himself.
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