The Los Angeles Kings (14-10-9) will attempt to halt a four-game losing streak when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning (18-12-3) on the road on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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To prepare for this matchup, here is who we expect to bring home the win in Thursday's hockey contest.
The Kings' offense has totaled 24 goals in their past 10 games, while their defense has allowed 22 goals. They have registered 29 power-play opportunities during that span, and have scored four goals (13.8%). They are 3-4-3 over those games.
Lightning vs. Kings Predictions for Thursday
Our computer model for this game calls for a final tally 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 18-12-3 overall and 3-3-6 in overtime games.
- Tampa Bay is 6-6-2 (14 points) in its 14 games decided by one goal.
- In the two games this season the Lightning recorded only one goal, they finished 0-1-1.
- Tampa Bay has scored two goals in 10 games this season (3-5-2 record, eight points).
- The Lightning have scored three or more goals 19 times, and are 15-4-0 in those games (to register 30 points).
- In the 11 games when Tampa Bay has recorded a single power-play goal, it went 7-2-2 to register 16 points.
- In games when it has outshot opponents, Tampa Bay is 5-8-2 (12 points).
- The Lightning have been outshot by opponents in 17 games, going 12-4-1 to register 25 points.
Kings Splits and Trends
- The Kings (14-10-9 overall) have posted a record of 5-9-14 in games that have gone to OT this season.
- In the 16 games Los Angeles has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 20 points.
- In nine games this season when the Kings finished a game with only one goal, they earned a total of four points (1-6-2).
- Los Angeles has seven points (3-4-1) when scoring exactly two goals this season.
- The Kings have earned 26 points in their 16 games with more than two goals scored.
- This season, Los Angeles has capitalized on a lone power-play goal in 15 games and picked up 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 11 times this season, and earned 16 points in those games.
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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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