Time: 7:00 PM ET
Place: Amalie Arena
TV: FS-D, SUN
Radio: 97.1 FM The Ticket // 1270 AM
Bolts Blog: Raw Charge
Game Preview
A gambling man would go all-in on the Tampa Bay Lightning at home to the Detroit Red Wings considering this is a giant mismatch on paper — the NHL’s best record against one of the league’s bottom feeders. And, they would be onto something as the Wings are 0-4-1 in their last five games against the divisional rival Bolts.
The tank appears to be on in Hockeytown as the Wings have just seven points to show for in their last 10 games overall. The Wings are just two points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings and six points ahead of the Ottawa Senators for that “coveted” 31st spot in the NHL.
Not an achievement that any team strives for, but in Detroit’s case they could use that first overall pick to reboot their franchise in a big way.
While one team battles futility this season, on the other end of the rink it’s been nothing but sunshine in Tampa when it comes to hockey as the Bolts boast an NHL-best 106 points (51-13-4). Few teams have been able to keep up with the Lightning this year and I wouldn’t imagine the Wings having much success either tonight. The Bolts have the best home record in the NHL (28-6-2) and also lead the league in GF/GP (3.78) and PP% (29.0).
Lineup Notes
Speaking of the tank, it looks like the Wings are playing it cautious with Dylan Larkin down the stretch…
#RedWings Holland said Larkin has a neck strain and is considered day to day. Not likely to play this weekend, maybe Tuesday. They are getting another specialist to look at the tests to be sure.
— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) March 8, 2019
