Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings Prediction, Picks & Odds | 01 Jan 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Lightning vs Kings

The Tampa Bay Lightning meet the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Thursday, January 1.

We don’t think the Lightning and the Kings are going to score too many times. Our prediction is to grab the +104 that there are Under 5.5 goals.

On board with our Totals pick? Make sure you’ve got the latest BetMGM promo code and give our comprehensive site review a read before you wager.

Tampa Bay Lightning won their previous game 4-3 (OT). This road victory at Honda Center against Anaheim Ducks was their fifth on the spin. Darren Raddysh found the net along with three other players.

Los Angeles Kings were defeated in their last game. On the road, they suffered a 5-2 reverse against Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Corey Perry and Joel Armia scored one goal each.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Kings beat the Lightning when the teams last met. It was a 2-1 scoreline at Benchmark International Arena. The past 10 clashes between these teams have seen six Lightning wins.

Starting Goalies

Jonas Johansson (Expected)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	8-6-1	2.8	.896	0
23/24	12-7-5	3.37	.890	2

Darcy Kuemper (Expected)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	10-6-6	2.2	.917	2
23/24	13-14-3	3.31	.890	1

7 wins, 2 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.1 goals from 27.7 shots on goal, with a 12.9% powerplay efficiency. The Lightning have given up 2.8 goals from 26.0 shots, averaging 6.5 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 87.7%.

Nikita Kucherov is the top points scorer with 17 points, 6 goals and 11 assists, with Darren Raddysh racking up 11 points, 6 goals and 5 assists, in the last 10 games. Goalie Jonas Johansson have a 3.10 goal against average with a .887 save percentage.

The Kings have 3 wins, 5 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 2.3 goals from 26.8 shots on goal, with a 15.2% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 2.7 goals from 28.9 shots, averaging 4.7 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 76.6%.

The top points scorer is Adrian Kempe with 8 points, 4 goals and 4 assists, while Kevin Fiala is next best after registering 6 points, 3 goals and 3 assists. Goalie Anton Forsberg have a 2.72 GAA with a .908 SV%.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings Prediction & Picks

Dive into our full Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings betting preview, featuring an expert match prediction, a projected scoreline, top player prop bets and a bet builder designed for value.

Game Prediction

There might not be lots of goals in this NHL matchup. There’s a case to be made for betting Under the line considering the odds of +104 available.

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 Kings stats:

• The 5.5 line hasn’t been covered in 8 of the last 10 Kings games at home.
• The 5.5 line hasn’t been covered in 14 of the last 20 Kings games.
• The 5.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 3 games between these teams.

Under 5.5 Probability

Looking at the latest betting odds, there’s a 49% likelihood of our pick delivering a return. After careful examination, our cappers have this probability somewhere between 55-60%. This hockey bet can therefore be backed with confidence.

Those bettors wanting more bang for their buck can move the Total line as they see fit. You can bet Under a certain goals level in order to get the bigger odds.

Get more from your wager using our bonus guide, which highlights top betting offers, free bets, and welcome promotions.

Our Game Prediction

Under 5.5 Goals @ +104 Watch Live Bet Now

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Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Brayden Point Over 1.5 Shots -185

Brayden Point (Lightning) has totaled Over 1.5 shots on goal in 9 of the past 10 games. We’re anticipating that he is able to perform well and cover the line, with odds of -185 currently available.

Latest Brayden Point Player Prop Odds

Goals

Anytime

+230

First

+1600

Assists

Over 0.5

+165

Under 0.5

-227

Shots on Goal

Over 1.5

-185

Under 1.5

+130

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Correct Score Prediction

Lightning 4 - 1 Kings

The Lightning are available to back at +1700 to secure a 4-1 victory. This is a risky but potentially more rewarding bet, with this correct score option providing appeal.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Lightning

Kings

1-0

Lightning

+5000

Kings

+5000

2-0

Lightning

+4500

Kings

+4500

2-1

Lightning

+1400

Kings

+1400

3-0

Lightning

+3300

Kings

+2900

3-1

Lightning

+1900

Kings

+1700

3-2

Lightning

+900

Kings

+850

4-0

Lightning

+4500

Kings

+3500

4-1

Lightning

+1700

Kings

+1400

4-2

Lightning

+1700

Kings

+1500

4-3

Lightning

+1100

Kings

+1000

5-0

Lightning

+8000

Kings

+6000

5-1

Lightning

+2900

Kings

+2200

5-2

Lightning

+1900

Kings

+1600

5-3

Lightning

+2500

Kings

+2200

5-4

Lightning

+2200

Kings

+2000

6-0

Lightning

+12000

Kings

+9000

6-1

Lightning

+7000

Kings

+5000

6-2

Lightning

+3500

Kings

+2900

6-3

Lightning

+3400

Kings

+2800

6-4

Lightning

+5500

Kings

+5000

6-5

Lightning

+5500

Kings

+5000

7-0

Lightning

+5500

Kings

+14000

7-1

Lightning

+12000

Kings

+9000

7-2

Lightning

+10000

Kings

+7000

7-3

Lightning

+7000

Kings

+5500

7-4

Lightning

+7500

Kings

+6600

7-5

Lightning

+12000

Kings

+11000

7-6

Lightning

+12500

Kings

+12000

8-1

Lightning

+12500

Kings

+14000

8-2

Lightning

+12500

Kings

+12000

8-3

Lightning

+12500

Kings

+13000

8-4

Lightning

+13000

Kings

+11000

8-5

Lightning

+13000

Kings

+14000

View More

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

For this game, the sportsbooks’ Moneyline betting odds mean Los Angeles Kings are -143 favorites to win and that means a 59% chance of landing a victory. Tampa Bay Lightning are the underdogs at +118 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.

The puck line stands at 1.5 and the total goals line is 5.5. Having a bet on Totals is one of the most popular hockey wagers. If you’re going for Over 5.5, then the odds are -128.

You can find a huge selection of team props and game lines for every National Hockey League matchup, with the top betting apps creating many different options. Check out the in-game and pre-game selections before placing your wagers.

Moneyline

Lightning

+118

Kings

-143

3-Way Moneyline

Lightning

+170

Tie

+325

Kings

+123

Puck Line

Lightning +1.5

-213

Kings -1.5

+172

Total Goals

Under 5.5

+104

Over 5.5

-128

There is +170 available that Adrian Kempe finds the net at anytime. If you’re interested in the favorite to score the first goal, then you are able to secure +1100.

Player Goals

Adrian Kempe (Kings)

First

+170

Anytime

+1100

Kevin Fiala (Kings)

First

+175

Anytime

+1100

Jake Guentzel (Lightning)

First

+175

Anytime

+1100

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning)

First

+180

Anytime

+1200

Brayden Point (Lightning)

First

+230

Anytime

+1600

Brandon Hagel (Lightning)

First

+240

Anytime

+1600

Anze Kopitar (Kings)

First

+290

Anytime

+1800

Quinton Byfield (Kings)

First

+290

Anytime

+1900

Alex Laferriere (Kings)

First

+300

Anytime

+1700

Andrei Kuzmenko (Kings)

First

+340

Anytime

+1900

Anthony Cirelli (Lightning)

First

+380

Anytime

+2000

Trevor Moore (Kings)

First

+390

Anytime

+2000

Corey Perry (Kings)

First

+400

Anytime

+2000

Warren Foegele (Kings)

First

+425

Anytime

+2500

Oliver Bjorkstrand (Lightning)

First

+475

Anytime

+2500

Joel Armia (Kings)

First

+475

Anytime

+2500

Gage Goncalves (Lightning)

First

+525

Anytime

+2800

Drew Doughty (Kings)

First

+600

Anytime

+2800

Nicholas Paul (Lightning)

First

+600

Anytime

+3500

Yanni Gourde (Lightning)

First

+625

Anytime

+2800

Darren Raddysh (Lightning)

First

+650

Anytime

+3500

Alex Turcotte (Kings)

First

+675

Anytime

+3300

Brandt Clarke (Kings)

First

+725

Anytime

+3500

Pontus Holmberg (Lightning)

First

+875

Anytime

+4500

Samuel Helenius (Kings)

First

+875

Anytime

+4500

Zemgus Girgensons (Lightning)

First

+900

Anytime

+4000

Dominic James (Lightning)

First

+900

Anytime

+4500

Charle-Edouard D'Astous (Lightning)

First

+1100

Anytime

+5500

Mikey Anderson (Kings)

First

+1200

Anytime

+5500

Joel Edmundson (Kings)

First

+1400

Anytime

+6600

Player Assists

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning)

Over 0.5

-164

Under 0.5

+125

Jake Guentzel (Lightning)

Over 0.5

+120

Under 0.5

-161

Adrian Kempe (Kings)

Over 0.5

+130

Under 0.5

-175

Darren Raddysh (Lightning)

Over 0.5

+135

Under 0.5

-185

Anze Kopitar (Kings)

Over 0.5

+160

Under 0.5

-222

Brayden Point (Lightning)

Over 0.5

+165

Under 0.5

-227

Drew Doughty (Kings)

Over 0.5

+170

Under 0.5

-227

Kevin Fiala (Kings)

Over 0.5

+175

Under 0.5

-233

Brandon Hagel (Lightning)

Over 0.5

+185

Under 0.5

-250

Quinton Byfield (Kings)

Over 0.5

+200

Under 0.5

-286

Brandt Clarke (Kings)

Over 0.5

+210

Under 0.5

-303

Alex Laferriere (Kings)

Over 0.5

+240

Under 0.5

-323

Andrei Kuzmenko (Kings)

Over 0.5

+250

Under 0.5

-345

Anthony Cirelli (Lightning)

Over 0.5

+250

Under 0.5

-345

Oliver Bjorkstrand (Lightning)

Over 0.5

+275

Under 0.5

-400

Player Shots

Adrian Kempe (Kings)

Over 2.5

-118

Under 2.5

-115

Kevin Fiala (Kings)

Over 2.5

+105

Under 2.5

-141

Jake Guentzel (Lightning)

Over 2.5

+130

Under 2.5

-185

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning)

Over 2.5

-141

Under 2.5

+105

Brandon Hagel (Lightning)

Over 2.5

+115

Under 2.5

-154

Alex Laferriere (Kings)

Over 2.5

+105

Under 2.5

-145

Brayden Point (Lightning)

Over 1.5

-185

Under 1.5

+130

Quinton Byfield (Kings)

Over 1.5

-145

Under 1.5

+105

Anthony Cirelli (Lightning)

Over 1.5

-105

Under 1.5

-130

Trevor Moore (Kings)

Over 1.5

-118

Under 1.5

-115

Warren Foegele (Kings)

Over 1.5

-130

Under 1.5

-105

Darren Raddysh (Lightning)

Over 1.5

-164

Under 1.5

+125

Brandt Clarke (Kings)

Over 1.5

-100

Under 1.5

-135

For those looking to enjoy a thrilling in-game wager, then NHL micro betting could be up your street. You are now able to bet on the Next Goal, Next Goalscorer and what will happen within the next 10 minutes.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Los Angeles Kings 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 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 2 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 2 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 7.10 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.40 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 5.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 on the Road: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 4.20 goals and allowed 2.90 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 4.00 pts and allowed 2.40 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.00 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 4.10 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 5.5: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 at Home: Covered in 2 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.30 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 2.30 goals and allowed 1.80 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 27.7
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 6.5
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 17.9
• Blocks: 15.4
• Faceoff Wins : 27.3
• Hits: 21.4
• Giveaways: 11.6
• Takeaways: 4

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 28.8
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 6.4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 19.4
• Blocks: 15
• Faceoff Wins : 24.8
• Hits: 19.6
• Giveaways: 13.1
• Takeaways: 4.2

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 26.8
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 4.7
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 10.5
• Blocks: 14.8
• Faceoff Wins : 30.4
• Hits: 19.6
• Giveaways: 16.3
• Takeaways: 4.9

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.3
• Shots: 27.4
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.7
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 8
• Blocks: 16.6
• Faceoff Wins : 29.1
• Hits: 16.2
• Giveaways: 15.5
• Takeaways: 5

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Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.

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