Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, CA. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season.
NHL Predictions Overview
Time: 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to watch: The Spot, Victory+, KCOP-13
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA
2025–26 Season Series: Lightning 1, Ducks 0
Overview
The Lightning (22-13-3, 3rd in the Atlantic) hit the Pacific for a non-divisional clash with the Ducks (21-16-2, 3rd in the Pacific). Tampa won the lone matchup this year 4–3; a game that saw Nikita Kucherov reach 1,000 career NHL points and Anthony Cirelli shine with a three-point night. Anaheim has been up and down but boasts offence and crafty forwards who can turn a boring Tuesday into a “Taco Tuesday” special night.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Last Game
NHL Predictions likes that the Bolts are riding a four-game winning streak, having outlasted the Canadians 5-4 in the shootout. Nikita Kucherov scored twice and Gage Goncalves added two assists. Montreal rallied from deficits of 3-0 and 4-1 in the third to steal a point. Anaheim is trending in a less sparkly direction, dropping five of their last six games after a 5-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks, where Troy Terry and Cutter Gauthier each had multi-point nights but the team couldn’t close it out.
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
Tampa Bay’s season has been a mix of shiny moments and eyebrow-raising inconsistencies. The Lightning are winning more often than not when they score three or more goals. Offensively, Nikita Kucherov has been carrying the mail lately. His chemistry with linemates like Jake Guentzel and Anthony Cirelli is critical in tight games. Goaltending remains solid overall, with Tampa sporting one of the better road records in the league. However, the defence will need tightening. Tampa has allowed enough odd-man rushes this season to qualify as an Uber category. Reducing turnovers and cutting down high-danger chances against will be necessary if they want to leave Anaheim with a W.
Keys to Victory – Tampa Bay
NHL Predictions thinks Tampa remains a top-tier road team (11-4-3 away this season). Score early and keep scoring. The Lighting needs to avoid slow starts. Anaheim thrives on chaos and can make a game ugly if Tampa cedes momentum early. Limit careless penalties: Staying off the penalty kill will keep the Ducks’ transition attack from getting easy looks, especially since Anaheim isn’t afraid to jump into lanes and create offence off the rush.
Anaheim Ducks Outlook
The Ducks are a young, punchy bunch. They are a team that can flip a game on its head faster than you can say “quack attack.” Offensively, Troy Terry and Cutter Gauthier have provided consistent scoring, and Anaheim gets decent puck movement through players like Leo Carlsson. That said, recent results suggest their form has dipped. Anaheim has lost five of its past six games, and goaltending has been inconsistent with late collapses and high shot totals against. Defensively, their structure can be opportunistic (especially at home), but like many young teams, lapses can turn a close game into a blowout before you finish your nachos.
Keys to Victory – Anaheim
Make the Lightning defend the whole rink. Tampa is offensive, both in skill and verbal taunting. Anaheim needs to make them earn every inch, clogging passing lanes and taking away time in the slot. Capitalize on mistakes. Turnovers by Tampa have led to Ducks scoring chances this season, so exploit them early and often. Goaltending bounce-back: Anaheim’s netminder must stand tall, especially in the first two periods, to build confidence and keep this a 60-minute game.
NHL Predictions: Who Takes the W?
This one feels like a down-to-the-wire tussle. Tampa has the higher ceiling with elite weapons and the experience edge. In contrast, Anaheim has the youthful unpredictability that can make any game feel like a late-night infomercial, weird and surprisingly entertaining.
Prediction: Lightning 4, Ducks 3 (OT)
Prop Bets of the Night
Always check social media or official lineups for the latest injury news and betting lines before placing or locking in DFS rosters.
Lightning Team Prop – Over 2.5 Goals (-115): Tampa’s offence tends to roll when they click, and this looks like a game where they’ll find multiple chances.
Ducks Anytime Scorer – Troy Terry (+150): Terry has shown a nose for goals and has produced consistently when his team struggles.
Final Thoughts
NHL Predictions thinks this cross-conference matchup gives Tampa a chance to roll on the road and Anaheim a platform to prove they’re more than a fleeting burst of energy. Expect tight checking and likely a late surge that defines the winner.
Main photo by: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Play responsibly — check local betting age restrictions — and may your favourite team score in bunches!