Tampa Bay at Boston

Erratic Tampa Bay is #18 in goals scored, and #17 in goals allowed. Tampa Bay is off a 5-3 loss to the lowly Arizona Coyotes at home, sitting five points out of the final Wild Card playoff spot. They've allowed 15 goals the last three games - all losses. The slumping Lightning are 46-99 away against a team with a winning home record. Boston has great balance at #12 in the NHL in goals scored and allowed, #10 on the power play and fourth in penalty killing. They are 12-6 in 18 contests under interim coach Bruce Cassidy, who has opened up the offense. Boston is 8-2 when playing on one day of rest, plus on a 7-3 run at home. The Bruins are 3-0 against Tampa Bay this season with star goalie Tuukka Rask winning all three games. He is 12-5-1 with a 2.60 goals against average and three shutouts lifetime against Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay is 16-38 against the Bruins, including 6-30-4 at Boston, so back the hungry home team again. Play Boston as my NHL March Game of the Month.