The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the verge of their longest winning streak in 12 years, though they've once again been outdone by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Last season's Stanley Cup Final participants stand as the NHL's two hottest teams entering Thursday night's marquee matchup, with the Blackhawks on a franchise-record 12-game run and the resurgent Lightning vying for a seventh consecutive win.
No buildup was really necessary for the Blackhawks' first visit to Tampa since their pivotal 2-1 victory in Game 5 of a finals series it won in six, but both teams' stellar recent play has added to the hype.