Intent on emerging from their early-season struggles, the Tampa Bay Lightning will open a three-game homestand with a visit from the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.

One of the NHL's best clubs on home ice last season, the Lightning have struggled their way to one win and four total points in six games, leaving them on pace for 55 points after recording 102 last season.

The comforts of home played large for Tampa Bay last season, while it went 29-8-4 for the most wins in their own building in the Atlantic Division.

All five of the Lightning's opponents that remain in October come from the Western Conference.

No teams in the Eastern Conference have fewer points that Tampa Bay and only the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames have less in the NHL.

"The disappointing part was the inconsiste

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