"We're expecting a tough matchup," Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman said. "Just like we were in that little stretch a little while ago, you want to get back on track. I think at this point, every team that comes in here looks at this game as a big challenge and a big test for them. We have to be ready, that's the bottom line."
The Lightning will see the Avalanche twice in the next couple days as they close out the two-game season series in Colorado in nine days. Sometimes, playing a Western Conference team can be difficult because they aren't a regular opponent and therefore are a bit of an unknown.
In those circumstances, the Lightning say, it's best to focus on themselves and not worry about what the opponent brings to the matchup.
"We watch video on Colorado, and I think the most important thing when you only play a team a couple of times is to just worry about your own game and play your own style," Bolts center Brayden Point said. "Hopefully, we can do that tonight."
INJURY UPDATES: Lightning defenseman Jake Dotchin wore a regular jersey at morning skate for the first time since suffering an undisclosed injury that's forced him to miss the last seven games.
Cooper, however, didn't sound positive on the possibility of Dotchin returning tonight against Colorado.
"He's probably not that possible for tonight," Cooper said.
Fellow blueliner Braydon Coburn didn't participate in morning skate and remains out with a lower-body injury.
"He's plugging away, but some of these injuries, you've got to wait," Cooper said. "So, it's just going to take a little time."
