Colorado Avalanche at Tampa Bay Lightning Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning (32-16-2) look to snap a two-game losing streak tonight at home against the Colorado Avalanche (27-18-4). Puck drop will be at 7:00 p.m. ET with FanDuel’s odds projecting Tampa Bay as a slight favorite at -132 with an over/under at six.

The Bolts are certainly off to a sluggish start coming off the All-Star Break, dropping both games in a back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Panthers routed the Lightning in the first game, while the Sharks managed to escape with a 4-3 overtime victory two nights ago. Tampa Bay vaulted out to an early 3-1 lead in the first period thanks to a goal from Ross Colton and two from Brayden Point. Things fell apart from there, as the Sharks crept back into the game, tying it 3-3 in the 3rd period only to have Timo Meier put home the game-winner for San Jose almost two and a half minutes into OT. He notched his second goal of the game and Tampa Bay suffered a heartbreaker at home, their first loss in Amalie Arena since November of last year.

Colorado hasn’t quite been the wagon they were last season as Stanley Cup Champions, as they currently sit in the fourth position in the Central division. This is mostly due to injury problems throughout the season that have made it tough on the squad, but they are still certainly a worthy opponent. The Avalanche are also coming off of an overtime loss on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, so both teams are still seeking their first win post-All Star Break. This will be the first meeting between these two teams since the Stanley Cup Final last year, but the first of two in less than a week. Tampa Bay will travel to Colorado next Tuesday, February 14th as a part of their upcoming 4-game western road trip.

INJURIES: Lightning C Nick Paul left the game against the Sharks with an undisclosed injury and did not return. His status for tonight is uncertain.

Avalanche D Josh Manson and LW Gabriel Landeskog remain on IR. C Darren Helm is considered day-to-day.

Odds (Courtesy of FanDuel): TBL -132 ML/COL +110 ML, O 6 -122/U 6 +100

Where to watch: ESPN

Where to listen: Lightning Radio 24/7, 102.5 MHz-FM

Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL

February 9, 2023, 7:00 p.m. ET