No one hate me for this, but in a way, this was a moral victory.

No Boyle. No Modin. Without Sydor for a period. Without Kubina for 2 periods. The Lightning were playing heavy defense against one of the top teams in the NHL and the difference maker was Mark Recchi’s 5-on-3 Power Play goal in the 2nd.

Though there were several onslaughts on both goaltenders, I thought both Grahame and Gerber (especially Gerber though) went unchallenged tonight…

This is a big loss (considering what I said in an earlier post — the Habs tying New Jersey in the standings) but the implications may be broader if the Lightning are nwo without Kubina for an extended period of time.

2-1 the final in Raleigh. The Bolts will likely recall another body from Springfield and make a demotion as well. Expect Gerard Dicaire to appear on the roster if that is indeed the case.

Don’t know if any of the regulars around here want to comment during the matchup — but the floor is yours.

Boyle’s out, O’Brien’s in. Kubina’s gotta step up and we’re playing Southbeast Champion Carolina tonight in Raleigh… Here’s Casonblog’s take:

Tonight will be a huge test. Tampion Bay is hungry and grinding to get into the playoffs. Gut check night. How do the ‘Canes play coming off a bad loss to the Craps? Like Staal, Justin Williams looks frustrated to me-Ditto Matt Cullen. Will we see Big Joe?

Meanwhile, Acid Queen’s trying to rally the troops.

Meanwhile, it would seem certain fans at Sun Sports TV’s message forum are finally tipping the Hurricanes the respect they deserve for being on top of the NHL. Last time around? They were deemed the “3rd rate tropical storms” from the homer elite at Sun Sports. This time? It’s Carolina. Maybe someone learned something about respect between then and now? Probably not.

The Habs are within 2 points of the Lightning now, this is no game for John Grahame to stumble in. Grahame does have a 4-0 record this season versus Carolina this season… So there is hope…