Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks Prediction, Picks & Odds | 03 Jan 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Lightning vs Sharks

The Tampa Bay Lightning meet the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center, with face-off scheduled for 16:00 on Saturday, January 3.

There’s a strong case that the Lightning triumph in regulation time and that means betting them on the 3-Way Moneyline. You can get a value -115 that the road team prove too strong for the Sharks.

Tampa Bay Lightning have triumphed in their previous six games. The latest was on the road where Los Angeles Kings were beaten 5-3 at Crypto.com Arena. Brayden Point bagged two goals, while Nikita Kucherov, Gage Goncalves and Anthony Cirelli scored once.

San Jose Sharks last game was a 4-3 (SO) home win. This victory over Minnesota Wild at SAP Center was their third successive victory. Igor Chernyshov, Macklin Celebrini and Jeff Skinner each scored one goal.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last encounter between the Sharks and the Lightning saw the former win. It was a 2-1 scoreline at SAP Center. The previous 10 games featuring these teams have resulted in eight Lightning victories.

Starting Goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	27-7-3	2.1	.919	2
23/24	30-20-2	2.9	.900	2

Yaroslav Askarov (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	17-15-2	3.6	.888	0
23/24	1-0-0	1.47	.943	0

7 wins, 2 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.0 goals from 27.4 shots on goal, with a 13.6% powerplay efficiency. The Lightning have been giving up 3.0 goals from 25.3 shots, averaging 6.2 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 85.5%.

Nikita Kucherov is the top points scorer with 18 points, 6 goals and 12 assists, with Jake Guentzel recording 12 points, 4 goals and 8 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Jonas Johansson have a 3.49 goal against average with a .866 save percentage.

The Sharks have 6 wins and 4 losses, averaging 3.7 goals from 28.1 shots on goal, with a 14.3% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 4.0 goals from 31.3 shots, averaging 2.8 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 75.0%.

The top points scorer is Macklin Celebrini with 19 points, 7 goals and 12 assists, while Alexander Wennberg is next best after having 11 points, 1 goal and 10 assists. Goalie Yaroslav Askarov have a 3.95 GAA with a .882 SV%.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks Prediction & Picks

We’ve lined up expert Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks betting tips, from our match prediction and correct score call to player prop picks and best bet builder advice. Read on for the full breakdown.

Game Prediction

The value bet could involve heading to the 60-minute line where you can back Tampa Bay Lightning to win this NHL clash. Our pick is currently on offer at a juicy -115.

We track all injuries that could impact each franchise before making our hockey predictions. The form guide and latest stats also help the Sportsgambler.com team crunch the numbers ahead of the NHL action.

Key Lightning vs Sharks stats:

• Lightning have won 6 consecutive games.
• Lightning have won 7 of their last 10 games.
• Lightning have won 13 of their last 20 games.
• Sharks have lost 3 of their last 5 games at home.
• Sharks have lost 8 of their last 10 games against Lightning.

Lightning 3-Way Moneyline Probability

Based on the odds from the best betting apps, our pick has a 53.5% chance of winning. In our opinion, there’s actually a probability of success closer to 60%. This is why we regard this as a value bet.

For a bigger return on investment, bettors often wager Match Winner & Total Goals to get bigger odds for Tampa Bay. The Winning Margin and Puck Line are good alternatives.

Getting ready to place a wager? Check our updated guide for the latest betting offers, including free bets and the newest promos codes.

Our Game Prediction

Lightning 3-Way Moneyline @ -115 Bet Now

BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

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 2, 20:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Nikita Kucherov To Score +120

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) has scored in 4 straight games. Based on the stats, we think that odds of +120 are really appealing when it comes to betting on Anytime Goalscorer.

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 5 - 2 Sharks

The Lightning are available at +1200 to secure a 5-2 victory. Many bettors enjoy a correct score wager and there are some nice potential returns to be had.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Lightning

Sharks

1-0

Lightning

+5000

Sharks

+5500

2-0

Lightning

+4000

Sharks

+6000

2-1

Lightning

+1300

Sharks

+1600

3-0

Lightning

+2400

Sharks

+5000

3-1

Lightning

+1500

Sharks

+2500

3-2

Lightning

+800

Sharks

+1000

4-0

Lightning

+2800

Sharks

+7000

4-1

Lightning

+1100

Sharks

+2800

4-2

Lightning

+1300

Sharks

+2200

4-3

Lightning

+950

Sharks

+1200

5-0

Lightning

+4500

Sharks

+13000

5-1

Lightning

+1600

Sharks

+5000

5-2

Lightning

+1200

Sharks

+2900

5-3

Lightning

+1900

Sharks

+3300

5-4

Lightning

+1900

Sharks

+2400

6-1

Lightning

+3500

Sharks

+12000

6-2

Lightning

+2200

Sharks

+6000

6-3

Lightning

+2200

Sharks

+5000

6-4

Lightning

+4000

Sharks

+6600

6-5

Lightning

+5000

Sharks

+5500

7-2

Lightning

+5500

Sharks

+14000

7-3

Lightning

+4500

Sharks

+10000

7-4

Lightning

+5500

Sharks

+10000

7-5

Lightning

+10000

Sharks

+13000

7-6

Lightning

+12000

Sharks

+13000

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 San Jose Sharks 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.

The sportsbooks’ betting odds have Tampa Bay Lightning as -222 favorites for this game, implying that they are 69% likely to win. The market suggests that San Jose Sharks are least likely to win at +180.

1.5 is the puck line and 6.5 is the total goals line. A Totals wager is always available and can often provide value selections. If you’re going for Over 6.5, then the odds are +108.

Consider every angle when placing your bets. The best NHL sportsbooks offer a huge selection of game lines and team props and it’s all about finding a wager which matches your prediction of the clash.

Moneyline

Lightning

-222

Sharks

+180

3-Way Moneyline

Lightning

-133

Tie

+330

Sharks

+300

Puck Line

Lightning -1.5

+112

Sharks +1.5

-141

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-132

Over 6.5

+108

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.

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

San Jose Sharks 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

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

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 6 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 6 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 7.20 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 6.5: Covered in 6 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 3.10 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 7.80 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.80 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 6.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
• Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.80 goals and allowed 4.00 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.40 goals and allowed 3.40 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 27.4
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 6.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 17.3
• Blocks: 15.7
• Faceoff Wins : 28.4
• Hits: 20.9
• Giveaways: 11.6
• Takeaways: 3.8

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 29.6
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 6
• Empty Net Goals: 0.4
• Penalty Minutes: 17.8
• Blocks: 15.8
• Faceoff Wins : 24.3
• Hits: 20.3
• Giveaways: 12.2
• Takeaways: 4

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 28.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 2.8
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 5.6
• Blocks: 14.3
• Faceoff Wins : 27.3
• Hits: 21.3
• Giveaways: 17.2
• Takeaways: 4.9

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 27.9
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 3.6
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 8.3
• Blocks: 13.9
• Faceoff Wins : 27.3
• Hits: 21.6
• Giveaways: 15.6
• Takeaways: 4.9

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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