Lightning vs Hurricanes Picks and Prediction – 3/11/2025

Tampa Bay and Carolina meet in a key Eastern Conference battle. The Lightning (37-22-4) are coming off a 4-0 loss to Boston after winning two straight. The Hurricanes (38-22-4) are rolling, winning four in a row, including a 4-2 victory over Winnipeg. With both teams at 80 points, this game could impact playoff seeding. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Tampa Bay has been inconsistent, splitting its last four games with wins over Buffalo and Columbus but struggling against Boston and Florida. The offense averages 3.54 goals per game, but injuries to Nikita Kucherov, Anthony Cirelli, and Nick Paul could be a problem. Kucherov leads the team with 92 points, and Brayden Point has 32 goals. The Lightning must generate offense against Carolina’s stingy defense.

Defensively, Tampa Bay allows 2.67 goals per game and has an 81.0% penalty kill. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been solid with a 2.24 GAA and .921 save percentage, but Jonas Johansson has struggled when needed. The penalty kill will be tested against Carolina, and Victor Hedman’s status remains uncertain, which could weaken the defense against a team generating 31.7 shots per game.

Carolina has won four straight, including tough matchups against Boston and Winnipeg. The Hurricanes play well at home (25-7-1) and rely on a balanced attack led by Sebastian Aho’s 61 points and Seth Jarvis’ 25 goals. While not explosive offensively, Carolina consistently generates pressure, making it difficult for opponents to control possession.

Defensively, Carolina allows just 2.70 goals per game and has an 84.1% penalty kill, which could give Tampa Bay trouble. Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen have been reliable, with Andersen posting a 2.17 GAA and .911 save percentage. Limiting opponents to 25.0 shots per game, the Hurricanes could frustrate a Tampa Bay offense that struggled against Boston’s defense.

Carolina’s defense, elite penalty kill, and home success give it an edge over a Tampa Bay team dealing with injuries and inconsistency. If Kucherov is out or limited, the Lightning could struggle against a team allowing just 25 shots per game. Vasilevskiy might keep it close, but Carolina’s tough defense should be too much. Final Score Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes wins 3-2.