Lightning at Sharks (game 69): Lines, game thread and how to watch

The Tampa Bay Lightning are in San Jose for the team’s one and only visit to SAP Center this season. The last time these two teams met was on Oct. 26, when the Sharks lost 6-0. Jonas Johansson claimed the win for the Lightning.

The Lightning are in a desperate battle to make the playoffs. Tampa Bay currently holds the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and needs seven points to catch the Toronto Maple Leafs for third place in the Atlantic Division. It’s not a likely scenario, considering the limited number of games remaining in the schedule. The Lightning do have an advantage in the wild card race, however. Tampa Bay is four points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, which currently hold spot number two in the wild card race and five points ahead of the Washington Capitals, which are just outside of the playoff picture this afternoon.

This will be a welcome home game for Anthony Duclair, who was traded to the Lightning just before the trade deadline. Since the trade, Duclair has continued to have the hot hand. He has five points in four games with the Lightning.

San Jose Sharks lines March 21, 2024

For the Sharks, there has been a bit of a shakeup to get some players going. According to Max Miller of The Hockey News, William Eklund will play on the fourth line as a winger, while Luke Kunin will slide to center on the second line. The Sharks, as a whole, have struggled these past few games, so the change is not a huge surprise.

Additionally, Magnus Chrona was returned to the Barracuda now that Mackenzie Blackwood is healthy enough to play. Chrona was with the Sharks on an emergency loan, so his return to the Barracuda makes sense. Devin Cooley will likely be the backup for the rest of the season.

Here’s what The Daily Faceoff reports the lines will look like for the Sharks.

Forwards
Fabian Zetterlund – Mikael Granlund – Klim Kostin
Filip Zadina – Luke Kunin – Alexander Barabanov
Thomas Bordeleau – Nico Surm – Justin Bailey
Mike Hoffman – Ryan Carpenter – William Eklund

Defensemen
Mario Ferraro – Kyle Burroughs
Henry Thrun – Jan Rutta
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Calen Addison

Goaltenders
Mackenzie Blackwood
Devin Cooley

Tampa Bay Lightning lines vs. San Jose Sharks

For the Lightning, Duclair will be on the top line alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov. Here’s what The Daily Faceoff reports are the lines for today.

Forwards
Anthony Duclair – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Steven Stamkos
Michael Eyssimont – Nicholas Paul – Conor Sheary
Tanner Jeannot – Luke Glendening – Tyler Motte

Defensemen
Victor Hedman – Darren Raddysh
Matt Dumba – Erik Cernak
Calvin de Haan – Nick Perbixy

Goaltenders
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Jonas Johansson

How to watch Lightning at Sharks March 21, 2024

San Jose Sharks fans can watch the game on NBCSCA or listen to the audio call on the Sharks Audio Network, sjsharks.com/listen. Lightning fans can watch on Bally Sports or listen to the game on 102.5 FM or Lightning Radio.

The game is also available nationwide on ESPN+ or Hulu, though blackout restrictions might apply.

The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at SAP Center in San Jose.

Be sure to come back here and join other Sharks fans watching the game.