*6* SPECIAL on Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are a solid 6-3-0 for the month despite being hit hard by injuries. The Vancouver Canucks meanwhile have only one win and three points over their last five games, and this does not look like a good spot for the Nucks to improve on that record.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Vancouver's Goaltending Situation - The Nucks Ryan Miller is 1-2-1 with a 4.22 GAA over his last four starts and was forced to leave Sunday's 5-4 shootout loss at Florida during the "skill competition" due to cramping. Their backup Jacob Markstrom is 1-3-2 with 3.00 GAA as a starter this season.

2. The Nucks' Schedule - Vancouver has had a brutal schedule of late and this will be its sixth consecutive road-game since Dec. 13 and fourth game since Dec. 17. The Nucks are 1-5 in their last six in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.

3. X-Factor - The Lightning have won four straight meetings, two in each of the last two seasons, while outscoring the Nucks 16-8 in the process.

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning (6*)