Kings vs. Lightning Prediction & Picks - Jan. 1

The Los Angeles Kings (16-13-9) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (23-13-3), who have won five straight, on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Before watching this matchup, here's a look at which team we pick to emerge with the victory in Thursday's action on the ice.

The Lightning have a 7-2-1 record over their past 10 contests. They have scored 41 total goals (eight power-play goals on 37 power-play opportunities during that time, for a conversion rate of 21.6%) while giving up 28 goals to their opponents.

Kings vs. Lightning Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this game predicts a final result of Kings 4, Lightning 3.

Moneyline Pick: Kings (-132)
Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Lightning (+1.5)

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Kings Splits and Trends

The Kings are 5-9-14 in overtime matchups as part of a 16-13-9 overall record.
Los Angeles is 9-5-4 (22 points) in its 18 games decided by one goal.
In the 10 games this season the Kings registered only one goal, they went 1-7-2 (four points).
Los Angeles has scored two goals in 11 games this season (4-6-1 record, nine points).
The Kings have scored more than two goals 17 times, and are 11-0-6 in those games (to register 28 points).
In the 17 games when Los Angeles has scored a lone power-play goal, it registered 19 points after finishing 8-6-3.
In the 23 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Los Angeles is 9-9-5 (23 points).
The Kings have been outshot by opponents in 14 games, going 7-3-4 to record 18 points.

Lightning Splits and Trends

The Lightning (23-13-3 overall) have posted a record of 5-3-8 in matchups that have gone to OT this season.
In the 16 games Tampa Bay has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 16 points.
This season the Lightning registered just one goal in three games and they finished 0-2-1 in those matchups.
When Tampa Bay has scored a pair of goals this season, they've earned eight points (3-5-2 record).
The Lightning have scored three or more goals 24 times, earning 40 points from those matchups (20-4-0).
Tampa Bay has scored a lone power-play goal in 13 games this season and has registered 18 points from those matchups.
When it outshoots its opponent this season, Tampa Bay has posted a record of 7-9-2 (16 points).
The Lightning's opponents have had more shots in 20 games. The Lightning went 15-4-1 in those contests (31 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Kings Rank	Kings AVG		Lightning AVG	Lightning Rank
29th	2.58	Goals Scored	3.31	5th
2nd	2.55	Goals Allowed	2.64	4th
16th	28.1	Shots	27.4	20th
9th	26.9	Shots Allowed	26.8	8th
32nd	14.41%	Power Play %	16.67%	24th
22nd	78.29%	Penalty Kill %	84.85%	3rd

Kings vs. Lightning Game Time and TV Channel

When: Thursday, January 1, 2026 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: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California