The Lightning recalled D Matt Smaby on an emergency basis with Lukas Krajicek a game-time decision with an upper body injury. UPDATE: Smaby is on the ice for warm-ups, so it would appear Krajicek is out.

Anti-trash talk

Not that Peter DeBoer would loose anything incendiary the morning before beginning a home-and-home set with a Southeast Division rival anyway, but the Panthers’ coach said he sees similarities between the Lightning and the version of his team that went 9-11-3 in October and November but is 7-2-2 since.
“I think Tampa is a lot better team than their record indicates,” he said. “They’re starting to play a team game. (They’ve struggled) but they’re starting to come out the other end of it.”

Mike Smith is expected back in goal tonight after making 25 saves in a 4-3 shootout victory at Florida.