Tampa Bay at New York

The Tampa Bay Lightning are opening some eyes with their 12-4-2 start through 18 games on the season, just about at the quarter pole. There has never been any questions about the offense, it was always the defense that was holding them back. That has changed dramatically this season. Last year the Lightning played in 26 games where they allowed four goals or more, this season that has occurred just two times. The Rangers have allowed three goals or more in eight of their last nine, and that puts them in jeopardy here against the Lightning, who certainly have a strong capacity to win scoring three or more times. The Rangers are not playing well, losers of four of their last five, while Tampa has rattled off five straight wins. Make the play on Tampa Bay.