Lightning vs Ducks Picks and Prediction – 1/6/2025

The Tampa Bay Lightning (20-13-2) are set to face the Anaheim Ducks (16-18-4) on January 5, 2025, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM EST. Get in on all the hockey action with our free NHL picks.

The Lightning are looking to rebound after dropping their previous two games. They have been effective on the power play this season, converting at a rate of 26.42%. 

Forward Jake Guentzel has been a standout performer, leading the team with 20 goals and 17 assists over 33 games, boasting a shooting percentage of 21.5%. Tampa Bay has been a force for seasons, and this year they look as good as ever with a Stanley Cup caliber offense.

The Ducks recently saw their three-game winning streak end after a loss to the Edmonton Oilers. They have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 3.50 goals per game. Forward Alex Killorn has been a key contributor, tallying 16 points this season, including a goal in the recent loss to the Oilers. On the inverse side of the coin, Anaheim has been a struggling club for several years now. Anaheim has been better this season, sitting at around .500, but they do not have the equipment to challenge for the title.

Anaheim is the host, but they are a far inferior squad. Tampa Bay is an uncomfortable favorite, but we cannot see a path for Anaheim to win, even at this current price. We will bite the bullet and take the Lightning to win on the road. Prediction: Tampa Bay wins 4-1.