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.
Hagel scored a goal in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens but exited the game after playing 15:47 time-on-ice due to an undisclosed injury. He has six points (1G / 5A) during a four-game point streak.
Cirelli managed to record two assists before exiting 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.
With Jonas Johansson sidelined due to a lower-body injury and the Lightning playing their second game in as many nights, it will be Matt Tomkins who gets the nod in Montreal on Thursday. Tomkins has made three appearances with the Lightning this season, with the most recent being a 5-3 victory on November 7th, which coincidentally was also against the Canadiens in Montreal. It is the only victory of the 29-year-old's career to date, so he will be hoping for a repeat performance on Thursday. The Lightning enter the game as -160 favourites over the Habs.
On the front end of a back-to-back, Tampa Bay will roll with Vasilevskiy between the pipes for the fourth straight game. Vasilevskiy has allowed three or fewer goals in four of his last five (3-2-0), but it was not enough in his last outing, saving 28 of 31 shots (.903 SV%) in a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Tampa Bay enters action on Wednesday as a +106 road underdog against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On the front end of a back-to-back, Tampa Bay will roll with Vasilevskiy between the pipes for the fourth straight game. Vasilevskiy has allowed three or fewer goals in four of his last five (3-2-0), but it was not enough in his last outing, saving 28 of 31 shots (.903 SV%) in a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Tampa Bay enters action on Wednesday as a +106 road underdog against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
