The Tampa Bay Lightning (18-12-3) host the Los Angeles Kings (14-10-9, losers of four straight) at Benchmark International Arena. The matchup on Thursday, Dec. 18 starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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Here is our pick for who will capture the win in Thursday's matchup.
The Kings' offense has put up 24 goals during their past 10 outings, while their defense has given up 22 goals. They have recorded 29 power-play opportunities during that time, and have scored four goals (13.8%). They are 3-4-3 over those contests.
Lightning vs. Kings Predictions for Thursday
Our computer model for this contest expects a final score of Lightning 4, Kings 2.
- Moneyline Pick: Lightning (-205)
- Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
- Spread Pick: Lightning (-1.5)
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Lightning Splits and Trends
- The Lightning are 3-3-6 in overtime contests on their way to an 18-12-3 overall record.
- In the 14 games Tampa Bay has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 6-6-2 record (good for 14 points).
- In the two games this season the Lightning scored only one goal, they finished 0-1-1.
- Tampa Bay has scored a pair of goals in 10 games this season (3-5-2 record, eight points).
- The Lightning have scored three or more goals in 19 games (15-4-0, 30 points).
- In the 11 games when Tampa Bay has scored a lone power-play goal, it picked up 16 points after finishing 7-2-2.
- In games when it has outshot opponents, Tampa Bay is 5-8-2 (12 points).
- The Lightning's opponents have had more shots in 17 games. The Lightning finished 12-4-1 in those contests (25 points).
Kings Splits and Trends
- The Kings have a 5-9-14 record in overtime contests this season and a 14-10-9 overall record.
- Los Angeles has earned 20 points (8-4-4) in its 16 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
- Across the nine games this season the Kings finished with only one goal, they have earned four points.
- When Los Angeles has scored exactly two goals this season, they've earned seven points (3-4-1 record).
- The Kings have scored three or more goals in 16 games, earning 26 points from those contests.
- This season, Los Angeles has recorded a single power-play goal in 15 games and registered 17 points with a record of 7-5-3.
- When outshooting its opponent this season, Los Angeles is 8-8-5 (21 points).
- The Kings have been outshot by opponents in 11 games, going 6-1-4 to record 16 points.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Lightning Rank | Lightning AVG | Kings AVG | Kings Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th | 3.21 | Goals Scored | 2.58 | 28th |
| 6th | 2.64 | Goals Allowed | 2.55 | 3rd |
| 18th | 27.7 | Shots | 28.2 | 16th |
| 9th | 26.9 | Shots Allowed | 26.7 | 8th |
| 24th | 16.35% | Power Play % | 14.71% | 31st |
| 2nd | 85.05% | Penalty Kill % | 79.82% | 20th |
Lightning vs. Kings Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida
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