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 20:00 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.

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 (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	10-9-2	3.3	.883	0
23/24	12-7-5	3.37	.890	2

Darcy Kuemper (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	17-13-12	2.7	.897	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 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 (Jan 1, 00:56). 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 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.

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 - 1 Kings

The Lightning are available to back at +1600 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

+4500

Kings

+4500

2-0

Lightning

+4000

Kings

+4000

2-1

Lightning

+1300

Kings

+1200

3-0

Lightning

+2900

Kings

+2800

3-1

Lightning

+1700

Kings

+1700

3-2

Lightning

+800

Kings

+800

4-0

Lightning

+4000

Kings

+3500

4-1

Lightning

+1600

Kings

+1500

4-2

Lightning

+1600

Kings

+1500

4-3

Lightning

+1100

Kings

+1050

5-0

Lightning

+7500

Kings

+6600

5-1

Lightning

+2800

Kings

+2500

5-2

Lightning

+1800

Kings

+1700

5-3

Lightning

+2500

Kings

+2500

5-4

Lightning

+2200

Kings

+2200

6-0

Lightning

+12000

Kings

+10000

6-1

Lightning

+6600

Kings

+6000

6-2

Lightning

+3500

Kings

+3300

6-3

Lightning

+3500

Kings

+3300

6-4

Lightning

+5500

Kings

+5500

6-5

Lightning

+6000

Kings

+5500

7-0

Lightning

+6000

Kings

+14000

7-1

Lightning

+11000

Kings

+10000

7-2

Lightning

+10000

Kings

+9000

7-3

Lightning

+7000

Kings

+6600

7-4

Lightning

+8000

Kings

+7500

7-5

Lightning

+12500

Kings

+12000

7-6

Lightning

+14000

Kings

+13000

8-1

Lightning

+14000

Kings

+14000

8-2

Lightning

+14000

Kings

+14000

8-3

Lightning

+14000

Kings

+14000

8-4

Lightning

+14000

Kings

+13000

8-5

Lightning

+14000

Kings

+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.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings 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.

For this game, the sportsbooks’ Moneyline betting odds mean Los Angeles Kings are -120 favorites to win and that means a 55% chance of landing a victory. Tampa Bay Lightning are the underdogs at -100 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 -110.

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

-100

Kings

-120

3-Way Moneyline

Lightning

+155

Tie

+310

Kings

+138

Puck Line

Lightning +1.5

-263

Kings -1.5

+205

Total Goals

Under 5.5

-112

Over 5.5

-110

Player prop bets don’t involve betting on a team to win and instead might look at a player’s individual performance. For example, the number of Goals they might score or the number of Shots they might have.

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

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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