Tampa Bay at Columbus

The Lightning gave up seven goals against the Blue Jackets at Columbus in a loss there last season, and the situation is not in Tampa Bay's favor as they play at Columbus today. Not only is this the Lightning's fourth game in six days, but they are playing without rest after losing 2-1 in overtime to the Red Wings at Detroit last night. Superstar Nikita Kucherov did not play against the Red Wings due to illness. He is questionable here. Tampa Bay also is not likely to have star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy in the net since he played last night. The Lightning are not in a good place right now, having lost four of their five games to open the season. They have managed only three goals in their last two games, while ranking 29th defensively on the season. Columbus is 1-3, but that victory was an impressive 7-4 road win against Minnesota. The Blue Jackets should be highly motivated for this game as they will be celebrating their inaugural team for their 25th Anniversary season. Take the Blue Jackets.