The Hurricanes play their final game of the season on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets and have opted to rest a variety of their lineup regulars. Guentzel ends the 2023-24 campaign with 77 points (30G / 47A) in 67 games. The 29-year-old forward has been terrific since joining the Hurricanes at the trade deadline, including scoring 13 points in his last eight games.
Tampa Bay will attempt to snap a two-game losing skid on Monday night with Vasilevskiy between the pipes. Vasilevskiy has allowed four or more goals in two of his last three (1-2-0), including four goals on 34 shots (.882 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. Tampa Bay enters action on Monday as a -158 home favourite against the Buffalo Sabres.
McDonagh will sit for roster management purposes as the Predators look to get him some rest on the tail-end of their back-to-back. One of Dante Fabbro or Tyson Barrie will likely take his place in the lineup.
Atkinson was a healthy scratch for Philadelphia's previous game but will draw back in on Thursday as Olle Lycksell is a healthy scratch. The 34-year-old is having his least productive season since 2012-13, with his 13 goals, 15 assists, 174 SOG, 25 PIMs and -22 plus/minus through 67 games played this year.
Tampa Bay has won three of their last four and will turn to Tomkins in the crease for the second time in the last four contests. Tomkins was unspectacular last week, allowing four goals on 30 shots (.867 SV%), but salvaged a 7-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Tampa Bay enters action on Thursday as a -183 home favourite against the Ottawa Senators.
With Anthony Duclair unable to suit up due to an illness, Sheary will be his return to the Tampa Bay lineup. Sheary has 13 points (3G / 10A) in 53 games with the Lightning this season.
Tampa Bay has won three of their last four and will likely turn to Tomkins in the crease for the second time in the last four contests. Tomkins was unspectacular last week, allowing four goals on 30 shots (.867 SV%), but salvaged a 7-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Tampa Bay enters action on Thursday as a -183 home favourite against the Ottawa Senators.
With the return of Sean Couturier (upper body), Cam Atkinson will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday in Montreal. The 34-year-old is having his worst offensive season in three years with his 13 goals, 28 points, 174 SOG and -22 plus/minus through 67 games played.
Girgensons did not play on Sunday due to an illness but is expected back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. The 30-year-old Girgensons has 13 points (8G / 5A) in 59 games this season.
Cirelli managed to record two assists before exiting last Thursday's 7-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens with an undisclosed injury after playing only 8:51 of ice time. Cirelli has been producing at an impressive rate lately, with seven points (4G / 3A) in his last six games.
Tampa Bay will turn to Vasilevskiy for his second straight game in a favourable matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vasilevskiy has allowed one goal in three of his last five outings (3-2-0), but struggled in his last contest, allowing five goals on 28 shots (.821 SV%) in a 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tampa Bay enters the action as a significant -332 home favourite.
