The Tampa Bay Lightning play their third preseason game tonight when they meet the Ottawa Senators at the Brandt Centre in Regina Saskatchewan.

For Tampa Bay (1-0-1 preseason), tonight’s game is the first in a five game, seven day odyssey which will see them criss-cross the Canadian border as they visit Everett, Washington,  Loveland, Colorado, Winnipeg. Manitoba and Atlanta, Georgia, before officially opening the season October 3 in Atlanta.

The Lighting will be looking to continue the momentum that saw them pull out an overtime win Friday against the Thrashers, as Marty St. Louis scored with less than 26 seconds remaining to be played.

Tonight’s lineup includes the pre-season debut of goaltender Riku Helenius, who is scheduled to split time in the net with Antero Nittymaki. The remainder of the players on tap tonight are forwards Carter Ashton, Brandon Bochenski, Ryan Craig, Steve Downie, Todd Fedoruk, Adam Hall, Martins Karsums, Brett McLean, Drew Miller, Paul Szczechura, DanaTyrell and James Wright.

On defense, Kurtis Foster, Lukas Krajicek, Matt Lashoff, Matt Smaby, Matt Walker and Ty Wishart are expected to appear.

By contrast, Ottawa will be playing in their fifth pre-season contest and are currently 1-3-0. Forwards Jason Spezza, Chris Neil and newcomer Alex Kovalev along with defensemen Filip Kuba and Chris Phillips are scheduled to play.

Following tonight’s contest, the Lightning will play tomorrow evening in Everett, Washington against the Phoenix Coyotes, the second of four consecutive games on the schedule.