Tampa Bay hasn't been very competitive in its last two
games. A visit from San Jose isn't likely going to get the club on track
either.
The Lightning aim for their first win over the Sharks since 2003 this evening
in the opener of a four-game homestand at St. Pete Times Forum.
Tampa Bay has lost back-to-back games, getting outscored 11-2 in that span.
After a 7-1 drubbing in Ottawa last Thursday, the Lightning were handed a 4-1
setback by Pittsburgh Saturday.
Steven Stamkos had the lone goal, while Martin St. Louis notched an assist to
give him a point in all seven of the club's games this year. St. Louis has
notched 11 points on the season and has notched an assist in six straight.
Antero Niittymaki gave up four goals on 33 shots. Mike Smith, though, is
expected to return tonight and will aim to improve his horrid early-season
numbers. Smith is 0-2-2 on the year with a 4.08 goals against average and .864
save percentage.
Smith is 0-1-0 in one start and relief appearance versus the Sharks, halting
60-of-64 shots faced.
Tampa Bay, which is 2-0-1 at home this year, hopes Smith can lead it to its
first win over San Jose since March 24, 2003. The Lightning are 0-4-0 with a
tie in their last five meetings with the Sharks, getting outscored 17-4 in the
four losses.
The Sharks continue a six-game road trip tonight. They lost the first contest
of the swing in Washington before consecutive victories in the New York area.
Following a 4-1 win over the Islanders on Saturday, the Sharks ended the
Rangers' seven-game win streak with a 7-3 victory Monday.
Devin Setoguchi notched a pair of goals and an assist for his second multi-
goal game of the season. Patrick Marleau added a goal and two helpers and Dany
Heatley had a goal and an assist.
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