Tampa Bay currently has the NHL's top ranked offense, along with the fourth best power play success percentage. However, they will be going up against the Boston Bruins who have the best penalty kill in the league at 94.1 percent. The Bruins enter Thursday's game with a shaken squad. Half of the team were held out of Tuesday's practice due to flu-like symptoms.
Tampa Bay is off to a streaky start to the season, but now the Lightning are trending in the right direction. Big wins against the Panthers and Maple Leafs have them tied for first in the Southeast. The team is averaging nearly four goals per game this season. Steven Stamkos is on a hot streak against the Bruins. He has five goals in his last three games against Boston. The Lightening lead the NHL with 59 goals and will try and go on a scoring attack against Tampa Bay.
The Bruins have played the fewest games of any team in the NHL but are taking advantage of the shortened season, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. The team is currently on a five-game road swing, playing Eastern Conference rivals in three of the five games. This will be an important series if they want to get in the playoff race. Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask is 3-0-1 in his last four starts, only giving up six goals over that span.
Tampa will be without forward Ryan Malone who suffered a lower body injury and was placed on injured reserve. All of the Bruins made the trip after being out with the flu, but it is unknown what level they will be able to play to.
Watch Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning NHL live stream, click here
