Tampa Hosts Canucks

(Tampa Bay) - The Lightning are sitting inTampa waiting for the Canucks to show up for a big game on Monday. With a couple days of rest, the Lightning look to a strong game from Thibault and all the players on defence. Gm Sprackman hasn't decided on the fate of a couple of players hat are currently playing on the farm. Williams and Nielsen have played with no real complaints down there but everyone knows they want to be up with the big club. "To say I am happy or Chris is happy with this situation would be a lie. I understand the rules of the league and players like me and Chris are able to sit on the farm while minor league players like Afanesenkov, Pothier and others are playing (or sitting) on the big club. I will just play where I am told to play and hopefully I will get a chnce." Justin Williams said from his apartment in Springfield. Monday's game will be a great contest, Vancouver is vastly improved and with rock solid manegement, they are no longer the pussies they were years ago. Their #1 line of Lang, Bertuzzi and Zubrus can rival anyone's and just like the Bolts, they bolster some of the top defence in the league and rival Tampa for the best top 6 in the league. Any team with Dafoe in netis taking a chance but so far he has been solid in net and with that defence even Dafoe can look good. Some old friends will be meeting in this game as Arnott and Dafoe will face off against the Bolts.

For Tampa, the game plan is simple. Stop the top line, shot at every chance and crash the net for some ugly goals. The PK and PP have to be good as both teams are very well matched and Thibault has to play a great game. Some line juggling maybe in the plans for Gm Sprackman and maybe a one or both Williams or Nielsen will be called up. We shall wait and see.

Game Notes

Lemieux will still be out with his injury. Prospal is still out with a contract dispute. Canucks will have a healthy line up for the game and the starting goalies should be Thibault vs Dafoe.

Next up - After the game the Lightning travel to Chicago for a game against the Blackhawks.