A daily feature that asks the five biggest questions about today's NHL action. Will they be answered? (That doesn't count as one of the five questions.)
1. How will Tim Thomas preform against the Boston Bruins?
Thomas was injured the first time Florida visited Boston this season, but still received a standing ovation for his years of service for the Bruins. Thomas is the projected starter for Tuesday, facing the Bruins for only the second time in his career (and for first time in Boston). How's it going to go?
2. Will the Lightning pull even with the Bruins in total points?
Tampa Bay won't be able to take over the Atlantic Division lead, but the team can finish the night tied with the Bruins for the most points in the grouping. Of course, they'll need some help from the Panthers to do so (a regulation win from the Panthers, to be exact), but if that happens the Lightning can pull even with a regulation win, which would extend their three-game winning streak to four games.
3. Can the Flyers capitalize on the Red Wings' injuries?
For the second time this season, the Red Wings will face the Flyers without the aide of captain Henrik Zetterberg or Pavel Datsyuk. The last time was in December, when Philadelphia managed to score five unanswered goals to overcome a 3-1 deficit.
4. Will the Montreal Canadiens end their four-game losing streak?
The heat is turned up in Montreal and the cries for coach Michel Therrien are growing louder. The team has dropped four straight and has allowed four goals or more in six straight. Can the Habs right the ship against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night? It won't be an easy task as Carolina has won four straight.
5. Will the Columbus Blue Jackets end their two-game losing streak?
The Blue Jackets have lost two straight since setting a franchise-record eight-game winning streak. Columbus will host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night, a team that has gone 1-2-2 in its last five. Can the Blue Jackets snap the skid or are they about to embark on a less honorable run at history?
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