Stars vs. Lightning Free Pick

Jason Spezza is on an offensive roll.

Dallas Stars center Cody Eakin (20) celebrates with the bench after scoring against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, October 15, 2015, in Tampa, Fla.

Dallas scored on the ensuing power play to carry a 4-1 lead in to the third period, but Vladislav Namestnikov and Stamkos scored goals 1:38 apart to cut the deficit to a goal.

Before Dallas could even get a solid possession on the Tampa Bay side of the ice, Lightning captain Steven Stamkos scored just 2:24 into the game, capturing an early lead for the home team.

Spezza, coming off a three-goal game in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over Edmonton, responded and gave Dallas a 5-3 lead at 10:29.

“Credit to all the zone time we had”, Spezza said.

Dallas coach Lindy Ruff expected the defending Eastern Conference champion Lightning to make a third-period push. “But, we answered right away”.

Demers put Dallas up 4-1 with 1:48 to go in the second during a 5-minute power play. McKenzie, who was recalled on Wednesday to step into the lineup for the injured Patrick Eaves, was hospitalized as a result of the play. The Stars said McKenzie had a game-ending lower body injury and was taken to an area hospital.

Coach Jon Cooper said Hedman told him he felt “okay” afterwards, but there’s still uncertainty over his status.

“We’re concerned for his well-being”, teammate Brian Boyle said after the game. “You don’t want to lose any of your guys, especially him”.

Mattias Janmark and Ales Hemsky combined for three points in tonight’s game, and both have tallied at least one point in each of the Dallas Stars’ four games thus far. Tyler Seguin scored his first goal of the season, just before the half-way point of the first period.

It was a nice sign from Lehtonen, not only making the late save but being able to stop the bleeding after two quick goals and not allow things to continue to snowball as they did so many times last season. 2, Dallas, Seguin 1 (Jokipakka, Ja.Benn), 8:58.

However, a poor game by the Stars in Colorado and a lackluster performance from Niemi opened the door for Lehtonen to reassert himself, and he’s taken advantage.

These two teams have gone over in four straight and seven of the last eight in this series. Thanks to Cooper’s steady hand, Stamkos’ versatility and willingness to play wherever needed, the development of defenseman Victor Hedman and the chemistry of the triplets line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, the Lightning should again be one of the best teams in the league this season.