(My Sportsbook) - The
Tampa Bay Lightning will continue the California portion of their five-game road trip when they visit the
Los Angeles Kings for this evening's encounter at Staples Center.
The Lightning are 2-1-0 so far on a swing that began in Atlanta before heading to Phoenix and eventually winding down with three games in the Golden State. Tampa Bay is just 8-12-3 as the visiting club this year, but has won four of its last six road tests.
Tampa was handed a 3-2 regulation loss this past Thursday at Phoenix, but the Bolts rebounded with a close win the following night in Anaheim. Ryan Malone scored twice, including the winning tally midway through the third period, as Tampa Bay edged the Ducks, 4-3, at Honda Center.
Martin St. Louis had a goal and two assists for the Lightning, who won at Anaheim for the first time since October 14, 2001. Tampa Bay also beat the Ducks for the first time anywhere since February 25, 2003.
Vinny Prospal also lit the lamp and Vincent Lecavalier added a pair of assists. Karri Ramo made 29 saves in the win for Tampa.
The Lightning will close out the swing Tuesday night in San Jose and will then begin a five-game homestand with Thursday's matchup against Philadelphia.
The Kings, meanwhile, are coming off Saturday's blowout loss at the hands of visiting New Jersey. Travis Zajac ended with a goal and two assists, as the Devils blasted LA, 5-1, at Staples Center.
Derek Armstrong had the lone goal for the Kings, who were coming off a win Thursday over Anaheim, but lost for the eighth time in 12 games.
Jonathan Quick gave up all five goals on 28 shots in the loss for LA.
This evening's tilt marks the third segment of a four-game homestand for the Kings. LA is 12-9-6 as the host this season, but has lost five of its last seven games in the City of Angels.
The Lightning and Kings are meeting for the first time since February 6, 2007 and are facing off in Los Angeles for the first time since January 17, 2006. Tampa Bay has won two straight in the series and is 8-2 with a pair of ties in the last 12 meetings overall. The Bolts are a 4-0 with two ties in their last six stops to Staples Center,