Calgary has won six in a row. Tampa Bay is struggling having won just once in its last eight games. Yet Calgary barely is a home favorite. It tells you the oddsmaker still has great respect for the Lightning. I do, too.

This is a huge game for the Lightning as this is the first of three straight road games for them. Tampa Bay's defense hasn't been good. But I have faith in Lightning coach Jon Cooper. The team hasn't played since Saturday. They've had good practices since then and gotten some needed rest. I expect a strong performance from Tampa Bay.

Aside from an embarrassing loss to the Canucks, the Lightning have been very competitive losing to the defending Stanley Cup Penguins by one goal, beating the hot Capitals, losing in overtime on the road to Carolina and falling by one goal at the Blues.

The Lightning have a good history, too, in Calgary winning in six of their last eight visits.