Blackhawks Host Lightning in Stanley Cup Reunion
Four months ago, the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games to win the Stanley Cup. They’ll meet again this Saturday (8:30 PM ET, NHLN) at the United Center, but it’s the Lightning who have enjoyed the better start to the 2015-16 campaign. Tampa Bay is 4-2-1 after seven games, while Chicago is 4-3. Expectations are high for both teams after reaching the Cup Final last season. So far, Tampa has managed to exceed expectations, earning 0.55 units on the puck line with a record of 3-4 ATS. Chicago has had a tougher time at 2-5 ATS (–3.43 units); two-time Norris Trophy defenseman Duncan Keith is on long-term injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his right meniscus, while fellow blueliner Michal Rozsival (ankle) isn’t expected back for a few weeks. The Lightning skate into Saturday’s game relatively healthy, with a goal differential of +3 to Chicago’s +1. Tampa Bay ranked eighth in the league in Fenwick For at 52.4%, four spots ahead of the Blackhawks at 51.1%, going into Thursday’s action. The Bolts will also have No. 6 defensemen Nikita Nesterov back in uniform after he finishes his two-game suspension for a boarding penalty.