Philadelphia Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Preview: Strikes Twice?

It’s the type of schedule made for the playoffs. If Saturday’s game was the start of a playoff test, the Philadelphia Flyers would have looked much different. Injuries in January are certainly different than in April, and the backup goalie wouldn’t be starting Game 1 of a playoff series.

That said, the Tampa Bay Lightning sure looked poised for playoff success already. With wins in nine straight games, they have the best points percentage in the Eastern Conference and second-highest goal differential in the league.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Owen Tippett has five goals in the last 10 games, including three in his last six games. At 14 goals on the season, Tippett is already six away from matching his total last season.

Nikita Kucherov continues his hot streak with a four-point game against the Flyers on Saturday. That extended his points streak to nine games. The last eight games have all been multi-point games, and he has 23 points during the nine-game streak, including nine goals.

Dan Vladar gets the start for the Flyers. Vladar made 21 saves on 23 shots in an overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday in his last start.

Jonas Johansson gets the start for the Lightning. Johansson made 17 saves on 20 shots in a win over the Kings on New Year’s Day in his last start.

Projected Lineups

Lineup Notes

• Flyers: Travis Konecny skated in morning skate after missing Saturday’s game and leaving Sunday’s practice early. Rick Tocchet said he is cleared from his upper-body injury, but the lower-body injury suffered in Sunday’s practice will make him a game-time decision. Carl Grundstrom is also a game-time decision due to illness. Bobby Brink and Jamie Drysdale also skated at morning skate in regular contact jerseys, but both remain out. Drysdale, who was placed on IR retroactive to Tuesday, is not eligible to return until Wednesday at the earliest.
• Lightning: No changes are expected to the Lightning lineup.

Where to Watch

• TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Radio: Flyers Broadcast Network