Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction, Picks & Odds | 26 Feb 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Lightning vs Hurricanes

The Tampa Bay Lightning square off against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Thursday, February 26.

The Lightning and the Hurricanes should fail to surpass a total of 6.5 goals. Our prediction is available at -139 and these look like attractive odds.

Tampa Bay Lightning made it six consecutive wins after a 4-2 home success over Toronto Maple Leafs at Benchmark International Arena. Brayden Point bagged two goals, while Nikita Kucherov and Gage Goncalves scored once. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy had 32 saves (.941).

Carolina Hurricanes got a third straight win in their last game. It was a 2-0 road triumph at Madison Square Garden when meeting New York Rangers. Andrei Svechnikov and Jordan Staal each scored one goal. Brandon Bussi got a shutout making 16 saves.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lightning triumphed 6-4 when they last played the Canes. This head-to-head was played at Benchmark International Arena. In the past 10 H2H meetings, the Lightning have won six.

Starting Goalies

Jonas Johansson (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	11-10-2	3.3	.884	0
23/24	12-7-5	3.37	.890	2

Brandon Bussi (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	31-6-2	2.5	.894	2

9 wins and 1 loss, averaging 3.9 goals from 31.8 shots on goal, with a 15.1% powerplay efficiency. The Lightning have been giving up 2.3 goals from 27.3 shots, averaging 4.8 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 89.6%.

Nikita Kucherov is the top points scorer with 25 points, 6 goals and 19 assists, with Jake Guentzel recording 13 points, 6 goals and 7 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 1.63 goal against average with a .938 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Canes have 8 wins and 0 overtime losses, averaging 3.9 goals from 30.1 shots on goal, with a 23.8% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 2.0 goals from 24.6 shots, averaging 3.8 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 92.1%.

The top points scorer is Andrei Svechnikov with 14 points, 9 goals and 5 assists, while Sebastian Antero Aho is next best after registering 12 points, 3 goals and 9 assists. Goalie Brandon Bussi have a 1.72 GAA with a .921 SV%, including one shutout.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction & Picks

Our expert Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes betting tips include a main match prediction, a correct score pick, standout player prop selections and bet builder advice. Explore each section below for detailed insights.

Game Prediction

The -139 available that this NHL clash goes under the 6.5 goal line certainly looks appealing. Our pick is that the teams’ combined goals will fall short of the mark.

Our hockey picks are rooted in solid team news and up-to-date form for each franchise. We also dig deep to uncover the most relevant NHL stats that help guide and strengthen our predictions.

Key Lightning vs Hurricanes stats:

• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 4 of the last 5 Lightning games on the road.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Lightning games.

Under 6.5 Probability

According to the top betting sites, there’s a 58.1% chance of our pick landing a return. Taking all factors into consideration, our analysts think there’s a stronger chance of success and have a probability interval between 65-70%. It is therefore regarded as a value bet.

If you’re wanting bigger odds for your Under bet, then there’s a way of changing the line and aiming for a lower goals total in the hope of a better return.

Your next bet could start with a welcome bonus. Explore our expert guide to the newest sign-up and betting offers.

Our Game Prediction

Under 6.5 Goals @ -139 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 (Feb 26, 01:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Jake Guentzel Over 2.5 Shots +130

Jake Guentzel (Lightning) has totaled Over 2.5 shots on goal in 5 straight games on the road. If you agree with our verdict that he can cover the line again, then you can land odds of +130 that this happens.

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

Lightning 4 - 2 Hurricanes

We’re taking a correct score bet which involves the Lightning to win 4-2. The odds of +1900 make plenty of appeal and you should hopefully get some entertainment with this wager.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Lightning

Hurricanes

1-0

Lightning

+5500

Hurricanes

+5000

2-0

Lightning

+5500

Hurricanes

+4500

2-1

Lightning

+1600

Hurricanes

+1400

3-0

Lightning

+4000

Hurricanes

+2800

3-1

Lightning

+2200

Hurricanes

+1700

3-2

Lightning

+950

Hurricanes

+800

4-0

Lightning

+5500

Hurricanes

+3300

4-1

Lightning

+2200

Hurricanes

+1300

4-2

Lightning

+1900

Hurricanes

+1400

4-3

Lightning

+1100

Hurricanes

+950

5-0

Lightning

+10000

Hurricanes

+5500

5-1

Lightning

+3500

Hurricanes

+2000

5-2

Lightning

+2200

Hurricanes

+1400

5-3

Lightning

+2800

Hurricanes

+2000

5-4

Lightning

+2200

Hurricanes

+1800

6-0

Lightning

+14000

Hurricanes

+8000

6-1

Lightning

+9000

Hurricanes

+4500

6-2

Lightning

+4500

Hurricanes

+2500

6-3

Lightning

+3500

Hurricanes

+2500

6-4

Lightning

+5500

Hurricanes

+4000

6-5

Lightning

+5000

Hurricanes

+4500

7-0

Lightning

+5000

Hurricanes

+12000

7-1

Lightning

+14000

Hurricanes

+7500

7-2

Lightning

+12000

Hurricanes

+6000

7-3

Lightning

+7500

Hurricanes

+4500

7-4

Lightning

+8000

Hurricanes

+5500

7-5

Lightning

+11000

Hurricanes

+9000

7-6

Lightning

+12000

Hurricanes

+11000

8-1

Lightning

+12000

Hurricanes

+12000

8-2

Lightning

+12000

Hurricanes

+10000

8-3

Lightning

+12000

Hurricanes

+11000

8-4

Lightning

+14000

Hurricanes

+10000

8-5

Lightning

+14000

Hurricanes

+12500

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.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes 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.

Carolina Hurricanes are regarded as having a 60% chance of winning this game according to the latest betting odds. The sportsbooks have priced them up at -147. For those wanting to back Tampa Bay Lightning, you will find +122 about the underdogs.

The puck line stands at 1.5 and the total goals line is 6.5. A Totals wager is always available and can often provide value selections. If you want to back Over 6.5, it’s +106.

Whether you’re wagering pre-game or in-game, the best NHL betting sites offer a huge selection of team props and game lines. With practically endless options, it’s great to have so many alternatives to match your view of the encounter.

Moneyline

Lightning

+122

Hurricanes

-147

3-Way Moneyline

Lightning

+225

Tie

+325

Hurricanes

-102

Puck Line

Lightning +1.5

-213

Hurricanes -1.5

+172

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-130

Over 6.5

+106

Should you be more interested in a specific player, check out the gambling sites’ prop bets where you can pick out goalie and player props that focus on performance rather than the game lines and final score. For example Goaltender Saves and Powerplay Points.

It’s possible to use stats to your advantage when it comes to NHL micro betting, especially if you’re predicting outcomes such as the Next Goal and Next Goalscorer. Check out the live team and player props and see if you can find an angle.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Carolina Hurricanes Stats

Moneyline

• 9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 games
• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games
• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 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 4 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 6.40 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.90 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 4.10 goals and allowed 2.30 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 4.30 pts and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.00 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 7.00 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.90 goals and allowed 2.10 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 4.30 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 31.8
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.8
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 16.4
• Blocks: 12.9
• Faceoff Wins : 27.6
• Hits: 20.9
• Giveaways: 15.8
• Takeaways: 4.2

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 28.2
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 4.5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 13.4
• Blocks: 13.2
• Faceoff Wins : 22.8
• Hits: 16.5
• Giveaways: 15.6
• Takeaways: 4.3

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 30.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 3.8
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 9
• Blocks: 16.1
• Faceoff Wins : 30.2
• Hits: 21.5
• Giveaways: 15
• Takeaways: 6

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1.2
• Shots: 31.4
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 7.6
• Blocks: 15.3
• Faceoff Wins : 33.5
• Hits: 22.1
• Giveaways: 16.4
• Takeaways: 5.7

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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