Hurricanes at Lightning
THE STORY: The Tampa Bay Lightning let a victory slip away against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, but still gained a point on the road. The Lightning will look to make up some ground as they play the next seven games at home, starting with the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Tampa Bay sits three points out of eighth place and six out first in the Southeast Division. The Hurricanes have lost five of the last seven (2-1-4).
TV: 7 p.m. ET; FS-Car (Carolina), SunSports (Tampa).
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (25-27-15): Carolina has earned points in seven of the last eight games, but leads the league with 15 defeats after regulation – including all six that have ventured to a shootout. The Hurricanes have only lost twice in regulation since Feb. 1. Captain Eric Staal had his 12-game point streak snapped against Buffalo on Wednesday, but still has 21 points in the last 13 games. Jeff Skinner, who is second on the team with 37 points, reached the 100-point mark for his career before his 20th birthday. Forward Tuomo Ruutu practiced Friday and might be available Saturday.
ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (31-29-7): Tampa Bay received a solid effort from goaltender Dustin Tokarski in his first NHL start. He stopped 29 of 32 shots Thursday in place of injured Mathieu Garon. The Lightning were outshot 16-3 in the third period and overtime, dropping to 20-1-2 with a lead going into the final session of regulation. Teddy Purcell reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career and has secured a point in 11 straight games - the longest active streak and one shy of the NHL season high.
OVERTIME:
1. Tampa Bay has won three of five games against Carolina this season and five of the last seven.
2. Carolina rookie D Justin Faulk has four goals in 10 contests and is plus-5 since Jan. 1.
3. Steven Stamkos has four overtime winners this season, tying 10 others for the NHL record.