Lightning, Sabers ready for rematch of March 8 epic

BUFFALO — Jon Cooper took one have a look at the scale of the media scrum ready for his morning availability at KeyBank Center on Monday and broke right into a wry grin.

“What’s everyone doing here?” the Tampa Bay Lightning coach requested. “It’s Game 77, not Game 83.”

Don’t be fooled. He was toying with the press. He is aware of precisely why.

And so does this whole metropolis.

It’s all half of the anticipation of the conflict between the Lightning and Buffalo Sabers on Monday (7 pm ET; The Spot, NHLN, MSG-B, TVAS), a rematch of what followers listed here are calling “the game” of the NHL season.

On March 8, the 2 Atlantic Division rivals mixed for 15 targets, 28 penalties, 102 penalty minutes and 10 preventing majors. lightning ahead Brandon Hagel obtained a $5,000 positive from the NHL for his actions because the aggressor of an altercation with Sabers captain Rasmus Dahlin.

When the mud had settled, the Sabers gained 8-7 in what many gamers described as a recreation performed in a playoff ambiance, one they anticipate to be replicated, if not intensified, this time round.

“I think it will be tremendous for sure,” Sabers coach Lindy Ruff stated. “There’ll be a little bit bit about making an attempt to maintain your feelings in examine. You should steadiness that out too.

“But you’d rather have your team jacked up than not jacked up.”

Emotions won’t be a problem.

The recreation itself?