Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds | 20 Dec 2025

NHL Betting Preview: Hurricanes vs Lightning

The Carolina Hurricanes go up against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena, with face-off scheduled for 20:00 on Saturday, December 20.

The Lightning should have the edge over the Hurricanes and our prediction is to side with them on the Moneyline. There is a tempting -122 should you wish to follow suit.

Carolina Hurricanes lost on the road in their previous game. Florida Panthers won 4-3 (SO) at Amerant Bank Arena. Sebastian Antero Aho registered two goals, with Jordan Staal scoring one. Goalie Brandon Bussi had 38 saves (.927).

Tampa Bay Lightning have lost their last four home games, most recently suffering a 2-1 defeat to Los Angeles Kings at Benchmark International Arena. Lightning had 32 shots and Oliver Bjorkstrand scored the only goal.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Canes won the most recent encounter between these teams. A 4-1 victory was registered against the Lightning at Lenovo Center. In the past 10 games between the teams, the Lightning have won six.

Starting Goalies

Pyotr Kochetkov (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	6-2-0	2.3	.899	1
23/24	23-13-4	2.33	.911	4

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	30-11-3	2.3	.913	2
23/24	30-20-2	2.9	.900	2

7 wins, 2 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 2.7 goals from 30.9 shots on goal, with a 17.1% powerplay efficiency. The Canes have been giving up 2.4 goals from 24.5 shots, averaging 2.8 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 89.3%.

Nikolaj Ehlers is the top points scorer with 8 points, 4 goals and 4 assists, with Andrei Svechnikov recording 8 points which were all assists. Goalie Brandon Bussi have a 1.75 goal against average with a .928 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Lightning have 3 wins, 6 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 2.7 goals from 32.3 shots on goal, with a 13.0% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 2.5 goals from 23.7 shots, averaging 4.1 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 82.9%.

The top points scorer is Nikita Kucherov with 13 points, 2 goals and 11 assists, while Darren Raddysh is next best after having 11 points, 4 goals and 7 assists. Goalie Jonas Johansson have a 2.39 GAA with a .901 SV%.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction & Picks

Discover the top Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning betting angles — from our trusted match prediction and likely score to the best prop plays and a customized bet builder.

Game Prediction

For this NHL encounter, our best pick is the home team to win against inferior opposition and we think that the -122 represents an attractive bet on the Moneyline.

We keep a close eye on the NHL team news and our handicappers stay sharp by tracking the latest form and lineups. You’ll also find a full set of stats that offer valuable insight and help shape smarter hockey predictions ahead of the action.

Key Hurricanes vs Lightning stats:

• Lightning have won 11 of their last 20 games.
• Lightning have won 6 of their last 10 games against Hurricanes.

Lightning Moneyline Probability

According to the best NHL betting sites, our pick has a 54.9% chance of winning. After careful examination, our analysts have this probability close to 60%. The wager can be recommended for this precise reason.

The Match Winner & Total Goals lines not only give you a chance to back Tampa Bay for the win but also combine this selection with a prediction for how many goals will be scored.

Claim bonuses and free bets before placing a wager. Our in-depth guide shows you the best current betting offers.

Our Game Prediction

Lightning Moneyline @ -122 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Dec 20, 01:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Brayden Point Over 1.5 Shots -185

Brayden Point (Lightning) has finished with Over 1.5 shots on goal in 6 straight games. We recommend backing the -185 that he is able to cover the line, with this Shots on Goal wager hopefully providing a return.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Hurricanes 1 - 4 Lightning

We’re taking a correct score bet which involves the Lightning to win 4-1. The odds of +1400 make plenty of appeal and you should hopefully get some entertainment with this wager.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Hurricanes

Lightning

1-0

Hurricanes

+4000

Lightning

+4000

2-0

Hurricanes

+4000

Lightning

+4000

2-1

Hurricanes

+1200

Lightning

+1150

3-0

Hurricanes

+2800

Lightning

+2500

3-1

Hurricanes

+1700

Lightning

+1600

3-2

Hurricanes

+800

Lightning

+800

4-0

Hurricanes

+4000

Lightning

+3400

4-1

Hurricanes

+1600

Lightning

+1400

4-2

Hurricanes

+1600

Lightning

+1500

4-3

Hurricanes

+1150

Lightning

+1100

5-0

Hurricanes

+7500

Lightning

+6600

5-1

Hurricanes

+2800

Lightning

+2400

5-2

Hurricanes

+1900

Lightning

+1700

5-3

Hurricanes

+2800

Lightning

+2500

5-4

Hurricanes

+2500

Lightning

+2400

6-0

Hurricanes

+12000

Lightning

+10000

6-1

Hurricanes

+7000

Lightning

+5500

6-2

Hurricanes

+4000

Lightning

+3300

6-3

Hurricanes

+4000

Lightning

+3400

6-4

Hurricanes

+6000

Lightning

+5500

6-5

Hurricanes

+6600

Lightning

+6000

7-1

Hurricanes

+12000

Lightning

+10000

7-2

Hurricanes

+10000

Lightning

+9000

7-3

Hurricanes

+7500

Lightning

+6600

7-4

Hurricanes

+9000

Lightning

+8000

7-5

Hurricanes

+14000

Lightning

+12500

7-6

Hurricanes

+14000

Lightning

+14000

8-2

Hurricanes

+14000

Lightning

+14000

8-4

Hurricanes

+14000

Lightning

+14000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

When you consider the latest Moneyline odds, you can find Tampa Bay Lightning at -133 whereas Carolina Hurricanes are +112. In the eyes of the leading sportsbooks, the home team are regarded as 57% likely to claim a victory.

The puck line is 1.5 and total goals is 5.5. There is no denying the popularity of wagering on Totals. If you want to wager Over 5.5, there are odds of -118.

From team props to game lines, National Hockey League wagering comes with no shortage of options. Head to the best betting apps to discover the market that fits your read on the game.

Moneyline

Hurricanes

+112

Lightning

-133

3-Way Moneyline

Hurricanes

+163

Tie

+310

Lightning

+132

Puck Line

Hurricanes +1.5

-233

Lightning -1.5

+184

Total Goals

Under 5.5

-104

Over 5.5

-118

If you’re looking for an alternative to the game lines, check out the player and goalie props instead. It’s great to wager on Goalscorers, Player Points, Shots and Goaltender Saves as potential options.

Among the various options for wagering on the NHL, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as whether a goal will be scored within the next 10 minutes.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Carolina Hurricanes Stats

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games
• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.50 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 5.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 on the Road: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.00 goals and allowed 2.50 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.30 pts and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.30 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 5.50 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 5.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 at Home: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.70 goals and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 2.60 goals and allowed 2.90 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 30.9
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 2.8
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 5.9
• Blocks: 19.1
• Faceoff Wins : 31
• Hits: 17.5
• Giveaways: 14.7
• Takeaways: 6.4

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 34
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 6.3
• Blocks: 19.7
• Faceoff Wins : 30.8
• Hits: 17.4
• Giveaways: 15
• Takeaways: 6.1

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 32.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 10.8
• Blocks: 17.4
• Faceoff Wins : 26.7
• Hits: 19.7
• Giveaways: 12.8
• Takeaways: 4.2

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 30.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 4.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 11.5
• Blocks: 15.2
• Faceoff Wins : 27.4
• Hits: 20.1
• Giveaways: 14.2
• Takeaways: 4.5

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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