Tonight: Lightning vs. Blue Jackets

By TOM JONES
Published January 13, 2006

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WHEN/WHERE: 7:30; St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa.

TV/RADIO: Sun Sports; 620-AM.

SEASON SERIES: This is the only meeting.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Lightning, loser of two in a row, plays for the first time since Saturday. ... The layoff healed a couple of injuries. Forwards Fredrik Modin (groin strain) and Rob DiMaio (back spasms) are expected to play. ... The guess is Sean Burke will start in goal for the Lightning. He is 4-3-2 lifetime with a 1.85 goals-against average against the Blue Jackets. ... The Lightning's power play is scoreless in its past 32 chances and is ranked 27th in the NHL. Columbus' power play is even worse. It is rated 28th, but it is 18th on the road. ... The Blue Jackets, coming off a 6-1 victory against the Penguins, have won consecutive games and five of their past eight. Their six goals against Pittsburgh were a season high and they have 11 in the past two games. ... Columbus star Rick Nash has seven goals and five assists in the past six games.