The Lightning (5-1-1, 1st, Southeast division) are off to a great start (11 points, tied for best in the Eastern Conference) and will close out October with two home games and the start to a trip out west.
First up, tonight, the Nashville Predators (4-0-3, tied for 1st, Central Division) at the St. Pete Times Forum. Nashville started the season with three wins before dropping three straight in overtime. They're undefeated so far (2-0-0) on the road. Steve Sullivan leads the Predators in points (6) and goals (4) while Pekka Rinne has stood out in goal with a goals against average of 1.58 .and a save percentage of 955. The Predators are expected to be without J.P. Dumont, who's listed as 'Doubtful' with a lower body injury.
On Wednesday, the Bolts host the Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3-1, 1st, Atlantic Division). As you'd expect, the Penguins attack is led by captain Sidney Crosby who already has 11 points with 6 goals, although he trails the Lightning's Steven Stamkos who has 14 points and 8 goals so far. Kris Letang leads the Penguins with a +/- of 8.
Saturday, the Lightning begin a four-game road trip out west with a visit to the Phoenix Coyotes (2-2-2, 5th, Pacific Division). The Coyotes, who made the playoffs last season with a late season surge, have started out slowly this season, with only two wins so far. They're currently without captain Shane Doan who is serving a three-game suspension for a hit on Anaheim's Dan Sexton, although he will be back in time to face Tampa Bay. Ed Jovanoski leads the Coyotes with 5 points while Scottie Upshall leads the team with 3 goals.