Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the Carolina Hurricanes in Tampa, Florida. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season.
NHL Predictions Overview of Hurricanes vs Lightning
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to watch: FDSNSO, The Spot
Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
2025–26 Season Series: Hurricanes 0 Lightning 0
The Bolts (18-13-3) limp into this one after a 2–1 home loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. Adrian Kempe scored both Kings goals in the second period. Despite a shot advantage, Tampa’s offence was, well, offensive. Their lone tally came on a power-play strike by Oliver Bjorkstrand. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy made 18 saves in his return from injury, which was not the lift Tampa had hoped. The Lightning has now lost three straight and seven of its last nine.
The Hurricanes (22-9-2) recently defeated the Nashville Predators 4–1 on December 17th. Sebastian Aho scored twice and logged an assist, and Jackson Blake netted a goal. Seth Jarvis scored and Pyotr Kochetkov made 25 saves for the Hurricanes, who have won five straight. A powerful hurricane coming to Florida, who would have thought?
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
NHL Predictions thinks the Lightning are battling a tough stretch. After a recent string of lengthy win streaks, Tampa Bay, now fourth in the Atlantic Division, struggles to maintain consistency, particularly with key injuries on the blue line and in the scoring depth. Scoring has lagged in recent outings. Hedman’s absence is a major blow to both transition play and power-play setup. Star defenseman Victor Hedman is sidelined for several weeks following elbow surgery. Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel are day-to-day, hampering Tampa’s depth. Not to mention they are out of boo-boo Band-Aids. The Lightning must find a way to turn their recent defensive lapses into opportunities while generating more high-quality, high-danger chances at 5-on-5. The goaltending situation needs to be stabilized with Vasilevskiy now back. Otherwise, a large detour sign may start in goal next.
Keys to Victory for the Tampa Bay Lightning
Stay disciplined and simple: Against Carolina’s forecheck and transition rush, Tampa needs clean exits and fewer turnovers. Get production from secondary scorers: With Hagel and Hedman limited, Anthony Cirelli and Oliver Bjorkstrand must chip in offensively. Support Vasilevskiy, that includes, keeping pucks to the outside, blocking shots, and clearing rebounds could make the goaltender’s job easier. If Tampa’s top stars find chemistry and the defence tightens up, they can outwork Carolina’s middle game.
Carolina Hurricanes Outlook
NHL Predictions thinks the Hurricanes come in as one of the more understated but effective squads in the East. Now atop the Metropolitan Division after riding recent momentum from a 6-1 record, they are led with a balanced attack. Contributors like Nikolaj Ehlers, Seth Jarvis, and a tandem goaltending rotation keep Carolina’s structure sound. Their ability to win tight games past regulation time speaks to both depth and confidence within the locker room.
Keys to Victory if You’re Carolina
One thing is they should have tight, structured defence. What this means is limit Tampa’s transition chances and force low-probability shots. Next is, to win the special teams battle. Carolina’s discipline on power play and penalty kill can tilt momentum. Moreover, when it comes to depth scoring, they need to be getting secondary scoring beyond just the top line reduces reliance on one event. If Carolina forces turnovers and controls play through their reliable middle six, they can grind out a road win.
NHL Predictions: Who Takes the W?
This has the makings of a tight, tense battle. Tampa Bay wants to end its skid and regain confidence at home. Carolina wants to extend its momentum and exploit Tampa’s injury issues with a few stick handles and mean nicknames.
Prediction: Lightning 3, Hurricanes 2 (OT)
Prop Bet of the Night
This is a good chance to add our disclaimer. Please check social media for the very latest lineup news and betting lines before locking in your daily fantasy rosters or using these suggestions as law.
Lightning Team Goal Prop – Over 2.5 Goals (+105): At home with a sense of urgency, Tampa’s top end can still find the net (with control over the rafter spotlight.)
Final Thoughts
This game shapes up as a strategic chess match between Tampa’s search for stability and Carolina’s momentum push. Expect special teams to play a large role, goaltending to be pivotal, and the final outcome to hinge on a late push or defensive stand
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: December 20th with Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.