LIGHTNING 101

A trip to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers will always be a trip down memory lane for the Tampa Bay Lightning organization.

Well, maybe not always, but as long as John Tortorella is the head coach, it is hard not to think about the 2003-2004 Stanley Cup this organization won on his watch, with players from both sides (Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards) hoisting the cup with Torts that season.

Those memories are beginning to fade, however, as both of these clubs struggle to remain in the playoff hunt in 2013.

Neither team is on a particularly good run lately — the Lightning are 3-6-1 in their last ten while the Blueshirts are 4-4-2 and on a 4-game losing streak.

Coincidentally, top offseason acquisition Rick Nash has been out with an injury during those four consecutive losses. He's expected to return to the lineup tonight.

 

Ryan McDonagh told me after morning skate that he expects to play this evening..Rick Nash tells reporters decision on his return comes later

— Jim Cerny (@JimCerny) February 28, 2013

Nash has three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 2 games played versus the Lightning this season, both wins for New York.

Fortunate timing has Brendan Mikkelson and Pierre-Cedric Labrie back up with the Bolts after a conditiioning stint down in the AHL.

With the injury to Sami Salo, Mikkelson slots into the lineup right away. Labrie and Hall will be scratched as Guy Boucher elects for 11 forwards and 7 defensemen again.

 

Appears Labrie and Hall scratched tonight vs Rangers. As expected, Mikkelson in for Salo and Garon in net.

— Damian Cristodero (@LightningTimes) February 28, 2013

The Lightning will look to make it 5 losses in a row for the New York Rangers tonight at 7:00 PM EST.

Tags: Brendan Mikkelson, Hockey, John Tortorella, New York Rangers, NHL, Pierre-Cedric Labrie, Rangers, Rick Nash, Sami Salo, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Lightning

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