San Jose Sharks vs Tampa Bay Lightning preview

Goaltending Matchup (probable starters)

Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight’s goaltending matchup could turn out to be a treat. It’s assumed that Antti Niemi will face off against Ben Bishop. If that comes to fruition, then it could be an Olympic preview of sorts. Both netminders are hopefuls to start for their respective countries.

Bishop wasn’t on the radar for the United States when the season started, but he’s been superb in his first full campaign as a member of the Lightning. He’s been very shaky during his last two starts, which means he’s due back for a bounce back game here soon. If he’s on tonight then the Sharks could end up mildly frustrated.

No netminder in the NHL has won more games than Bishop to this point, while his save percentage and GAA are both among the top-15. The ingredients are in place for this contest to turn into a bit of a goaltending duel, and a 2-1 final might provide a more exciting game than a 6-2 score would.