Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Ducks 1-0 Lightning
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: FDSNSUN; Victory+; KCOP-13; ESPN+
The Tampa Bay Lightning (23-16-3) will host the Anaheim Ducks (18-21-5) at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on January 16, 2025. This is the second meeting between the two teams this season. Anaheim won the first meeting 4-1 just 11 days ago. Anaheim continues their six-game road trip and enters tonight’s game looking to bounce back from being thoroughly outplayed by Washington on Tuesday night. Tampa Bay will also be looking to get back to winning ways after their recent loss to the Boston Bruins.
Lightning Seek Consistency Amid Playoff Race and Kucherov’s Dominance
The Lightning have been inconsistent lately and not living up to their usual high standards. They are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and are currently 3rd in the Atlantic Division. However, Boston, Ottawa, and Montreal are breathing down their neck, only separated by three standings points. The Lightning will be looking to capitalize on a weaker opponent and grab two critical standing points to stay ahead of the pack. The Lightning could also be referred to as the Nikita Kucherov show. In his last five games and in his typical over-point-per-game fashion, Kucherov has three goals and five assists. Jonas Johansson is the likely starter for Tampa Bay as teams tend to play their backups against weaker opponents like the Ducks. He has a 3.18 GAA and .903 save percentage this season but did not fair so well against the Ducks on January 5th. He gave up three goals on 28 shots in that contest.
Ducks Struggle with Consistency Despite Dostal’s Strong Performances
After an emotional win against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, the Ducks came crashing back down to earth on Tuesday night. They lost 3-0 to one of the President’s Trophy favourites in the Washington Capitals, and the mismatch was apparent from puck drop. Washington moved the puck with ease and worked as a cohesive unit, while the other was resigned to just funnelling pucks toward the net whenever they could. Still, the Ducks yo-yo season continues as they are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. It’s not a good sign when you’re leading scorer over the past five games has only four points. That is the case for the Ducks and Jackson LaCombe who has four assists in that span. Expect Greg Cronin to continue the pattern of alternating goalies each night, so Lukas Dostal should get the start. Dostal has a 2.89 GAA and .910 save percentage on the season, as one of the few redeeming performances of this season for Anaheim.
Prediction
The Lightnings superior offensive depth, driven by Nikita Kucherov’s hot streak, is likely to overwhelm Anaheim’s defense. Tampa Bay will capitalize on Anaheim’s inconsistent play, especially if Jonas Johansson provides a solid revenge effort in net. Anaheim might put up a fight early, but their struggles to generate consistent offence will likely hinder them, despite Lukas Dostal’s promising form. The Lightning are playing for critical standings points, and their urgency will likely tilt the game in their favour.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-2
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our NHL Predictions for the Anaheim Ducks vs Tampa Bay Lightning with some of our preferred prop bets of the night. Keep an eye on Jake Guentzel over 1.5 points (+200). The Ducks have one of the worst penalty kills in the league, and with Guentzel on Tampa’s power play unit, he could easily have a multi-point night. Odds courtesy of Bet365.
Note: Always consider checking the latest team news and player statuses before placing any bets, as injuries and other factors can influence game outcomes.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: January 16 Anaheim Ducks vs Tampa Bay Lightning appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.