The Tampa Bay Lightning entered the Thursday night home game against the Dallas Stars on a three-game winning streak after beating the Columbus Blue Jackets twice and the Chicago Blackhawks once.The Dallas Stars entered the game on a one-game losing streak after splitting a two-game set at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Lightning came into the game with a 7-3-0 record while the Star carried a 6-2-2 record over their last ten games.
For the Lightning, they were looking for a valuable two points to climb in the standings as they chase the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers for the division title or at least home ice in the first round.