Penguins vs. Lightning: Time for Tampa

It was a bitter end in Nashville for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they lost in overtime following a controversial no-call against the Predators. Despite the troubling outcome, the Penguins still scrounged up a point with their efforts. Moving ahead quickly, their next test comes in a one-game road stand against Tampa Bay. Here's what to watch for when the Penguins play the Lightning. 

1. Power Plays Trending In Opposite Directions

One of the crucial factors of this game will be special teams. The Penguins' bumbling power play sits at 26th in the league as they continue to struggle and tinker with their personnel.

Conversely, the Lightning posses the league's second best power play, converting on 32.5% of their chances. It's no surprise when you look at the combinations they utilize. Their first unit features four players averaging a point per game or higher. Combine their skill with their undeniable chemistry, and the Lightning are doing exactly what the Penguins hoped their power play could accomplish. 

2. Return of Vasilevskiy

The Lightning are sure to get a boost as their elite netminder, Andrei Vasilevskiy returns to game shape. After undergoing offseason surgery, Vasi missed the first 20 games of the season. He returned to game action just before the holiday break, and has only started two games. 

Slated to start against the Penguins, Vasilevskiy is looking to stack victories in order to return to his all-star form. While Pittsburgh had his number last season, look for the goaltender to return the favor in this matchup.

3. Karlsson and Letang Co-Leading Penguins' Defense

The Penguins currently stammer under .500, but it's certainly not due to their top two defensemen. Erik Karlsson has been better than advertised so far in his first season in Pittsburgh, pitching in 18 points in 21 games so far. 

Even with Karlsson assuming the top offensive defenseman spot in the organization, the defense still relies on the engine that is Kris Letang. With the addition of Karlsson, Letang embraced a new commitment to the defensive aspect of his game. His efforts are paying off on the ice too, as he's been a critical part of the penalty kill's success. And he's done it without sacrificing his offensive abilities, adding in 11 points in 21 games.

The team still has leaps and bounds to grow defensively, but the top duo of Karlsson and Letang are leading the defensive corps in an extremely impressive fashion.

The Penguins and Lightning face-off at 7:00 p.m. at Amalie Arena.