*8* play on Tampa Bay Lightning.

The San Jose Sharks have alternated wins and losses over their last eight games. They're coming off a 4-1 win against Arizona Saturday, and I think they'll once again struggle following a win when coming up against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena Tuesday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - The Lightning had won nine straight in front of the home-town crowd prior to Sunday's setback against the Blues when they suffered a 2-1 defeat despite holding a 38-21 shot advantage.

2. Steven Stamkos - "Steven Stamkos will not be traded before the NHL's trade deadline," Tampa Bay's GM Steve Yzerman said Monday, putting an end to any rumors that his team was looking to deal its superstar before the Feb. 29 trade deadline. Stamkos has eight goals and five assists in nine career match-ups with the Sharks and will take the ice eager to pay back for the vote of confidence from his general manager.

3. X-Factor - San Jose's top scorer Joe Pavelski is without a point in his last seven games overall and he's mustered only one assist in his last three match-ups with the Lightning.

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Lightning (8*)