Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Lightning Face Tough Test Against High-Flying Jets

Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)

The Tampa Bay Lightning continue their four-game road trip with a challenging matchup against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon.

The Jets have been soaring this season, boasting a 10-1-0 record and sitting atop the Central Division. The Lightning, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 5-3 loss to the Wild on Friday, which snapped their three-game winning streak.

READ: Lightning’s Winning Streak Snapped By Wild In 5-3 Loss

Historical Context:

While the Lightning hold a 49-35-14 all-time record against the Jets, Winnipeg has had the upper hand in recent years, winning six of the last eight meetings.

Players to Watch:

  • Winnipeg: Kyle Connor leads the Jets with 18 points (9 goals, 9 assists). Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are also offensive threats for Winnipeg.
  • Tampa Bay: Nikita Kucherov paces the Lightning with 18 points (9 goals, 9 assists). Brayden Point is currently riding a four-game point streak.

READ: Lightning Fans Score Big With New Food, Drinks & Frozen Prices At AMALIE Arena

Key Matchup:

  • Special Teams: The Jets have the NHL’s best power play, clicking at a 45.2% success rate. The Lightning will need to be disciplined and stay out of the penalty box to avoid giving the Jets’ potent power play opportunities.

Milestone Watch:

  • Zemgus Girgensons is poised to reach 100 career assists.
  • Anthony Cirelli is on the verge of scoring his 100th career goal.
  • Andrei Vasilevskiy needs one win to reach 300 career victories.

Goaltending Duel:

  • Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start for the Lightning. He has a 4-7-1 career record against the Jets.
  • Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter for the Jets. He has been stellar this season, with a .927 save percentage and a 2.20 goals-against average.

Game Details:

  • Date: November 3, 2024
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Canada Life Centre
  • TV: FanDuel Sports
  • Radio: 102.5 The Bone

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