Lightning Roll Into Denver Looking to Tame the Avalanche Offense

The Lightning make the trip to Ball Arena on Friday night for what should be a high-octane affair against an Avalanche squad that's been lighting lamps early in the season. Tampa Bay comes in battle-tested from the Atlantic grind, while Colorado's been feasting at altitude with that lethal top line clicking on all cylinders.

This one's got all the makings of a track meet. Both teams love to push pace in transition, and neither defense is particularly interested in playing shutdown hockey when they can just outscore you instead. The Avs have home ice and the thinner air working in their favor, which historically means goals come in bunches at Ball Arena. Nathan MacKinnon versus the Bolts' veteran core is appointment viewing for anyone who appreciates elite skill.

Tampa's goaltending situation will be worth monitoring—if they're running their backup on the second night of a road swing, Colorado's power play could have a field day. The Lightning have the pedigree to hang in any building, but this feels like a spot where the home team's speed and offensive depth could be the difference. Expect fireworks and probably a total that flirts with seven or eight goals. DarkHorse hasn't weighed in yet, but this one screams entertainment value for the betting public.