The Challenges Keep Coming: Lightning at Avalanche Preview

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Lightning continue their challenging early-season road trip as they head to Ball Arena to face the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. Both teams, former Stanley Cup champions looking to reclaim their glory days, enter the matchup with something to prove—Tampa Bay aiming to sustain its defensive resurgence, and Colorado seeking to turn its consistent point-collecting into more decisive victories.

Game 13: Tampa Bay Lightning (6–4–2) at Colorado Avalanche (7–1–5)Time: 9:30 p.m. ESTLocation: Ball Arena, Denver, COBroadcast: TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN1, ALT, 102.5 FMOdds: Lightning +105

Avalanche Outlook

The Avalanche have been dominant in stretches this season, dropping just one regulation game through 13 contests. However, their inability to close out games cleanly has kept them from running away with the Central Division. Five of their six non-wins have come in overtime or shootouts, a statistic that both highlights their competitiveness and hints at a need for sharper execution late in games.

Leading the offensive charge, Nathan MacKinnon has been electric as usual, tallying 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) in 13 games. He’s been backed by Cale Makar (4 goals, 14 assists) and Martin Nečas, who has proven his new contract was worth every penny with 17 points (9 goals, 8 assists). As a group, Colorado’s attack has been relentless—averaging 3.31 goals per 60 minutes. Where things get shaky is on home ice. Despite the altitude advantage, the Avalanche have struggled defensively in Denver, giving up 3.19 goals against per 60. More concerning is their goaltending: a collective .750 save percentage on in-tight shots at home—one of the lowest marks in the NHL. If Tampa Bay can generate traffic and create chaos in front of the net, they could exploit that weakness.

Lightning Outlook

For Tampa Bay, this season has been about grinding and rediscovering its identity. The Lightning’s current form isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. Their recent winning streak has been fueled by structured defensive play and timely contributions from throughout the lineup.

Over that stretch, Tampa has allowed just 4.97 high-danger chances against per 60 and 19.08 scoring chances against per 60, ranking near the top of the league in both categories. Their overall defensive improvement—limiting opponents to only 47.31 shot attempts against per 60—has been instrumental in their success.

The Lightning have also shown growth in team play. Turnovers, once a glaring issue, have been reduced or better managed. When mistakes happen, there’s been noticeable accountability and support from teammates. These small but crucial improvements have taken pressure off goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and a defense corps that has looked more organized in recent weeks.

What’s even more encouraging is that Tampa has managed this progress while some of its stars are still finding their rhythm. Brayden Point has yet to fully heat up, Victor Hedman hasn’t reached peak form, and even Nikita Kucherov, by his lofty standards, has had a slower start. Yet, the Lightning remain competitive—a promising sign of depth and resilience.

What to Expect

This matchup should be a compelling clash of styles—Colorado’s high-octane offense versus Tampa Bay’s tightening defensive structure. The Avalanche will look to overwhelm with speed and pressure, while the Lightning will aim to dictate pace and force Colorado into uncomfortable situations in their own zone.

For Tampa Bay, continuing to win the possession battle and maintaining discipline will be key. For Colorado, sharper goaltending and improved defensive support will determine whether they can turn close calls into commanding victories.

Two former champions, both evolving, both hungry—it’s a midseason test that feels a little like a preview of spring.