from Craig Custance of ESPN,

It was notable that the Lightning routed the Blue Jackets on Saturday night, putting up seven goals, and their captain and offensive leader Steven Stamkos had just one assist in less than 17 minutes of ice time. It's a reminder of how deep and talented the Lightning are this season.

On Sunday, Stamkos sent a reminder of his own: He can still take over a game. Stamkos scored his ninth and 10th goals this season, and the Lightning picked up another two points on the road by completing a sweep in Columbus and Detroit.

Sometimes, trendy preseason picks struggle with increased expectations (Hey, Dallas!) but the Lightning are proving every bit as good as everyone predicted, and they're doing it all without star defenseman Victor Hedman. With 23 points in 15 games this season, Tampa Bay sits at the top of the NHL.

read on for Burnside on the Rangers and Strang and LeBrun on the Ducks and Canucks...