The Tampa Bay Lightning aim to continue their surge after a long layoff when they begin a four-game trip Monday night against the Dallas Stars, who needed the All-Star break to assess their recent slump. The Lightning have won 12 of their last 14 games.

Tampa Bay has improved defensively which is the main reason for the Lightning's 12 wins in 14 games. On the other side, the Stars' offense is a big issue, so I'm backing the Lightning to win this clash. They should have enough firepower to outlast the Stars on the road, and Andrei Vasilevskiy has been spectacular between the pipes lately. Also, the Lightning have dominated the Stars lately and will be fired up to get payback for a 4-3 loss.