SUNRISE (CBSMiami/SportsDirect) – Coming into the season, the two Florida hockey teams were expected to be top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Needless to say, things haven’t quite turned out that way.
The Tampa Bay Lightning attempt to win back-to-back games for only the second time since Thanksgiving when they visit the Sunshine State rival Florida Panthers on Thursday night.
The Lightning followed up one of their worst losses of the season Saturday in Arizona with one of their most inspiring triumphs Tuesday, when they rallied for four third-period goals to beat Chicago 5-2.
Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper called it “desperation mode” as the Lightning try to remain in the fight for a playoff berth in the crowded Eastern Conference race.