Round two of the back-to-back and home-and-home series between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be played out tonight at the RBC.
Last night, the Hurricanes had the better of the play for a good portion of the game, before surrendering two quick goals to the Bolts in the latter half of the third period. The team will be looking to repeat their performance which led to a 4-3 win last night.
The Lightning will be hoping to recapture whatever zest they had late in the game, but bring it much earlier in this contest.
Paul Maurice was very happy with last night's lines and will not change a thing on offense.
But after missing several games because of an upper body injury, Jamie McBain will make a return on defense. Joni Pitkanen was not feeling well at the optional morning skate and is questionable for tonight. If he can play, look for another defenseman, (probably Derek Joslin), to be scratched to make room for McBain.
Cam Ward will get the repeat performance in net and is expected to face Mike Smith, (unofficial) for Tampa Bay.
The Canes record in the back half of back-to-backs is not the best. While they are 11-3-4 in the first game of the sets, they have a 6-10-1 record in the second games.
Fans will be looking for the team to put up some goals. Carolina is 23-1-1 when scoring four times or more and 29-3-4 when scoring three times or more.
I have not seen any news indicating big lineup changes out of Tampa Bay. Mike Smith was scheduled to start in goal, but that could change.
Check out Raw Charge for more info.
Hockeymom's game day guide has been updated and is now ready for print.
Canes Country's Game Guide: Hurricanes vs Lightning Mar 26
Buffalo won last night as well and will face the New Jersey Devils at home tonight. The Canes will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games so they can keep pace.
Brian and I will be reporting live from press row with the latest and greatest in the open game thread/live blog starting at 6:30.
FS Carolinas will have the local television broadcast starting at 7.