Lightning-Hurricanes Preview

GAME: Tampa Bay Lightning (42-32-5) at Carolina Hurricanes (51-21-7).

TIME: Friday, 7 p.m. EDT.

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2004-05, the Tampa Bay Lightning are clinging to the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot, and hardly look poised to defend their crown.

Hoping to avoid a third straight loss, the Lightning visit the Southeast Division champion Carolina Hurricanes in the opener of a home-and-home series and a potential first-round playoff preview.

• Lightning-Hurricanes Preview