Saturday, April 5, 7:00 PM on FSW+, CW44

Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

In their only other meeting of the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning were able to beat the Dallas Stars 4-2. The win helped the Lightning come closer to securing a top-3 playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Martin St. Louis got the game's first goal, putting the Lightning up by one less than 85 seconds into the first period. Nate Thompson doubled the road team's lead ten minutes later with his sixth of the season. St. Louis made it 3-0 Lightning halfway through the second period, but the Stars were able to get two back through Antoine Roussel and Vernon Fiddler goals. Sami Salo scored the only goal of the third period to give Tampa Bay the 4-2 win.

It could be argued that the Stars actually played the better all-around game in this one, but the Lightning were simply able to make the most of their chances. Dallas dominated on the offensive end, but they just couldn't get their shots to hit the back of the net.

St. Louis certainly had a great game with his two crucial goals, but Lightning goalie Ben Bishop was probably the top player on the ice. The 6' 7" netminder made 39 saves on the night, allowing just two to get past him for a .951 save percentage.

Fiddler had a good game for the Stars, scoring one goal and assisting on another. Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen wasn't at his best in this one, saving just 17 of the 21 shots he faced.

ATS Trends

Dallas is 16-21 straight up on the road this season

Dallas is 19-16-2 against the over/under on the road this season

Tampa Bay is 22-14 straight up at home this season

Tampa Bay is 19-14-3 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Dallas 

04/01/14 D Aaron Rome Lower Body questionable
04/01/14 LW Erik Cole Upper Body questionable
03/10/14 C Rich Peverley Heart out for season

Tampa Bay 

10/12/13 D Brian Lee Knee out indefinitely
04/02/14 D Mike Kostka Concussion out indefinitely

Tony's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink