Preview: Struggling Blues Visit Lightning in Monday Night NHL Matchup TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The struggling St. Louis Blues will look to snap a three-game skid when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Monday night. The Blues (13-23-0) are coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday, their eighth defeat in the last 10 games. Goaltender Jordan Binnington kept them in that contest with 28 saves on 30 shots and will be a key factor if St. Louis hopes to upset the Lightning on the road. Binnington’s recent performances have been uneven, including a 4-3 win over Montreal on Dec. 7 but also a 7-2 loss to Nashville on Dec. 11 where he allowed five goals on 25 shots. Offensive production remains a critical issue for St. Louis, which has been held to two or fewer goals in six of its last eight games. Robert Thomas, who had a team-high six shots against the Rangers, will need to spearhead a more consistent attack. The Lightning (18-16-0) have also hit a rough patch, losing three straight, including a 2-1 home loss to Los Angeles on Thursday. Winger Oliver Bjorkstrand scored Tampa Bay’s lone goal in that game and has been a bright spot. He is riding a four-game point streak (3 goals, 2 assists) and leads the team with 22 goals this season. Tampa Bay’s offense, which erupted for eight goals in a win over New Jersey on Dec. 11, has cooled considerably, managing just three total goals during its current losing streak. The power play, a traditional strength, will be tested against a Blues penalty kill that has been under frequent pressure. Historically, these teams have played tight contests, and Monday’s matchup could hinge on special teams and goaltending. Binnington’s ability to weather early storms will be crucial for the Blues, while the Lightning will rely on Bjorkstrand and captain Steven Stamkos to reignite their scoring touch. This game is the first of a two-game season series. The teams will meet again in St. Louis on Jan. 16. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The Lightning will wear their black alternate sweaters for the contest. For St. Louis, this begins a difficult stretch of four road games in their next six. Tampa Bay continues a five-game homestand before heading to Florida for a rivalry game on Saturday.