Tampa Bay (6-9-7) at Colorado (10-12-0) 9:00 p.m. EST
DENVER (Ticker) -- If the Tampa Bay Lightning hope to snap a
three-game losing streak and get out of the Eastern Conference
cellar, they will need to play better away from home.
In search of its first road win in three weeks, Tampa Bay plays
the second of three straight road games against the Colorado
Avalanche on Saturday.
After going 3-2-1 in road games to start the season, the
Lightning have managed just one shootout loss in their last
four. And with 15 of its next 21 away from home, Tampa Bay
would be well served to improve its play on the road.
Ryan Malone and Radim Vrbata scored goals to give Tampa Bay a
2-1 lead entering the third period, but the Minnesota Wild
tallied three times in the final session to emerge with the win.
The Avalanche's inconsistent offensive play continued Friday as
they managed just one goal or less in regulation for the seventh
time in 10 games, losing a 2-1 decision to Phoenix.
Ryan Smyth scored a goal in consecutive games for the first time
since October 18-20 as Colorado held a 38-20 edge in shots. He
ranks second on the team in goals with seven, behind only Milan
Hejduk' nine.
Following three wins in their first four home contests, the
Avalanche are 2-4 since.