The challenges keep coming: Lightning at Avalanche Preview

Game Thirteen: Tampa Bay Lightning (6-4-2) at Colorado Avalanche (7-1-5)

Time: 9:30 PM EST

Location: Ball Arena, Mile High City

TV/Stream/Radio: TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN1, ALT, 102.5 FM

Odds: Lightning +105

Know the Opponents: Mile High Hockey

Through their first 13 games, the Colorado Avalanche have tasted regulation defeat just once, and that came on the road against Boston just over a week ago. Yet, they have just seven wins on the season. Five times they’ve lost in overtime or the shootout, which, to their credit, has given them enough points to sit atop the Central Division. So, expect a close game tonight.

As usual, it’s Nathan MacKinnon leading the way as he has 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) in 13 games. Cale Makar (4 goals, 14 assists) is right behind him as is new contract-haver Martin Necas (9 goals, 8 assists). Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Avalanche as they are averaging 3.31 GF/60 on the young season. One thing to keep an eye on is that they’ve been a bit of a mess at home defensively where they’ve posted a 3.19 GA/60.

While they aren’t allowing a lot of high-danger chances on home ice, their goaltenders have .750 save percentage on the shots they are facing, which is tied for the fourth-worst mark in the league. If the Lightning can get in tight, they should be able to keep that trend going.

As for the Bolts, they’re kind of just grinding right on. Their games haven’t been masterpieces, but they’ve had the better of the play for most of them on the winning streak. They’re getting depth scoring, and while the power play is..well..up and down, they are still finding ways to win games. Most of that is due to their improved defensive play.

During the winning streak they are averaging just 4.97 HDCA/60 and 19.08 SCA/60. Teams aren’t even getting shot attempts against them as their 47.31 CA/60 is second in the league over that time span. Spending more time in the offensive zone has helped take the pressure off of their defensive corps.

There has also been an increase in team support. The turnovers still happen (it’s hockey, turnovers are part of the game), but they are happening in less-dangerous areas, and when they do happen, teammates are rallying to bail each other out. They seem to have adjusted to whatever tweaks have been made to their defensive system.

The face that they’ve been able to pick up these wins with Brayden Point in a bit of a struggle, Victor Hedman not at his top form, and Nikita Kucherov scuffling a bit by his standards shows that this team is a bit deeper than they’ve been over the last few seasons. Will it last? Will it be effective in the playoffs? Well, that won’t be decided for a few more months.

They are in for another tough match tonight against a team that can put up some offensive numbers. The Bolts will either need to keep playing tight defense or find a way to unlock their offense.

Potential Lines

Tampa Bay Lightning

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Colorado Avalanche

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