Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. 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. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
How to Watch TV: The Spot, Victory+, KCOP-13
Location: Benchmark International Arena, in Tampa, Florida
2024–25 Season Series: Lightning 1 – Ducks 1
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
The Bolts are coming off another loss, this time to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Lightning are 1-4-2, and 0-3-0 at home. Yes, the ice is melting. Tampa Bay has racked up 38 total penalties (averaging 5.4 per game). Unlike the first three of their current four-game losing streak, they weren’t outshot and were equal in hits. Ryan McDonagh and Jake Guentzel each tallied a goal. Andrei Vasilevskiy seems to be shaking off his early-season rust with 25 saves, but his defence in front of him is still a bit squeaky. Still, Tampa’s identity largely remains intact. That is, control possession, strike quickly, and never give the opponent a chance to breathe. However, this is the time of year in Tampa weather when you can finally breathe.
NHL Predictions and Tampa Bay’s Keys to Victory
First thing, they need to simplify zone exits. Tampa’s defence has been caught trying to do too much. Play the smart game and transition quickly. Their goals-against-per-game is 3.43, which is 23rd in the NHL.
Next, they need to get Nikita Kucherov going again. This keeps getting written. He hasn’t scored since his two-goal opener. Tampa’s goals-for-per-game is 2.57. They need to shoot more, plain and simple. Finally, Cutter Gauthier (five goals), Chris Kreider (four goals) and Leo Carlsson (three goals) can burn you if left unchecked.
Anaheim Ducks Outlook
Anaheim enters this matchup flying somewhere between rebuilding and reborn. They’ve got one of the league’s most exciting young cores, but consistency hasn’t exactly been their calling card. They’ve won two of their last three, and when they’re skating with confidence, they can make life miserable for defencemen who fall asleep on their coverage. Cutter Gauthier has been the offensive catalyst and will no doubt bring his usual flair and stick-twirling charm. Carlsson’s eight points (three goals, five assists) leads the team, and he’s maturing fast and can finish if given space. In goal, Lukas Dostal is expected to get the start. He’s talented but still gaining experience, but has given up 14 goals in five games and facing this Tampa forward group will test his reflexes and his stress levels.
NHL Predictions and Anaheim’s Keys to Victory
Control the puck in the neutral zone. Don’t give Tampa’s jets the runway they need to build up speed, or the planes will be landing. Next, they need to generate traffic in front of Vasilevskiy. Make life hard for the big netminder, as he doesn’t like it when he can’t see the puck. In addition, they must capitalize on power play chances. If Tampa continues to rack up penalties, the Ducks’ young PP unit has to convert.
Prediction: Who Takes the W?
Tampa Bay has too much firepower, too much structure, and frankly, too much motivation after back-to-back-to-back-to-back tough losses. The Ducks will hang around, maybe even steal the lead early, but expect the Lightning to flip the switch midway through the second and smack attack the quack back.
Prediction: Lightning 4, Ducks 2
This feels like the night Kucherov gets his groove back and Vasy looks a little more like his usual self.
Prop Bets of the Night
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Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal (+105):
The slump ends tonight. Pencil him in for at least one (maybe two) goals.
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Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 Goals (+120):
He loves to dish and eat. If Anaheim scores, he’s probably guilty.
NHL Predictions: Final Thoughts
The Ducks are flashy, fun, and definitely feisty, but this feels like a “get right” game for Tampa.
Expect some early highlight reels, a few tense scrums near the crease, and hopefully at least one Hedman bomb from the blue line.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: October 25th Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.