Event of the Day: Tampa Bay Lightning versus Montreal Canadiens
Our event of the day is the NHL fixture between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. The Lightning are the best team in the NHL right now, sitting at a record of 43-11-4 and clear at the top of Atlantic Division by 15 points. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens will look to snap a 2-game losing streak as they fight to remain competitive in the Atlantic Division. They currently hold an Eastern conference wild card spot but are within striking distance of 3rd place Boston. This is an exciting match between two teams that are eager to fight for the trophy this season. Right now, there are few better teams than the Tampa Bay Lightning. They are first in the Atlantic Division and hold the best record in the NHL at 43-11-4 with 90 points, 15 points and 7 wins above the 2nd place Maple Leafs. The Lightning enter tonight’s match on a four game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 22-10. In their most recent match, they recorded a dominant 6-goal shutout against the Dallas Stars. Their offensive star this season has been the 22-year-old center Brayden Point. Point, in his third season in the NHL, leads the Lightning with 33 goals but his performances are supplemented by a talented core. Steven Stamkos sits at 32 goals after a 2-goal haul against Dallas. Bruising right winger Nikita Kucherov has 25.
Unlike some teams in the league, the Lightning rely on a cast of talented players, rather than a single star or line. Their opponents tonight, the Montreal Canadiens, will be looking for a reversal of fortunes. A three-game win streak at the start of February has been followed by a two-game losing streak. Despite these losses, the Canadiens are 4th in the Atlantic Division, holding the first Wild Card spot in the East and still pose a threat to 3rd place Boston. The experienced right winger Brendan Gallagher leads the Habs in scoring with 22 goals. The talent of the Canadiens lies in their speed and shooting. They rank second in the NHL in shots taken per 60 minutes and their speed play is reminiscent of the legendary Oilers team of the early 1980s. That said, while the team is returning to form, they still have to compete in one of the NHL’s toughest divisions. So far this season, the Lightning are 2-0 against the Canadiens but Montreal will be eager to buck the narrative tonight. Be sure you don’t miss this game.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the FA Cup where AFC Wimbledon and Millwall face off in the 5th round at Kingsmeadow. These two lower league teams truly embody the spirit of the FA Cup. Wimbledon dominated West Ham 4-2 in the 4th round while Millwall edged out Everton 3-2. Both having beat Premier League teams means that we are looking at two very confident and eager teams. This is the furthest Wimbledon has ever progressed in the FA Cup and they will be eager to progress further still. We are in for a very exciting match today. Elsewhere, the NBA All-Star weekend continues at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte with various exciting events today. On the PGA tour, the Genesis Open continues at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. In Pro14 Rugby, Zebre host Leinster at Stadio Zaffanella. In snooker, the Welsh Open continues in Cardiff. On the ATP Tour, the Argentina Open continues at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NHL