The Anaheim Ducks are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena this Saturday. The game marks the beginning of the NHL regular season, with the Ducks currently holding a 4-2-1 record under head coach Joel Quenneville. In contrast, the Lightning are at 1-4-2, a start less favorable for the team led by Jon Cooper.
Despite their early struggles, Tampa Bay holds the puck line advantage at -1.5 (+126) and is favored with a moneyline of -199. Anaheim, with a moneyline of +166, comes into the game as the underdog, yet their recent wins against the Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators signal strong potential. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ at 5:00 PM.
Anaheim has shown promising performances, especially with recent victories, while Tampa Bay has been unable to secure a win since their October 13 game against the Boston Bruins. As the teams take to the ice, Anaheim’s consistency and Tampa Bay’s need for a turnaround will be critical factors in this early-season matchup. Both teams are looking to climb within their respective divisions, adding significance to this encounter.
Lightning vs Ducks At a Glance
- Game Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Anaheim Ducks Record: 4-2-1 this season
- Tampa Bay Lightning Record: 1-4-2 this season
- Game Odds: Anaheim Ducks MoneyLine +166, Tampa Bay Lightning MoneyLine -199
Lightning Strikes: Tampa Bay Gears Up for the Upcoming Game
Offensive Contributions
In the 2026 regular season, the away team has demonstrated their scoring abilities with 18 goals, earning them the 15th rank in the league. They also sit at 15th in assists with a total of 36, indicating a balanced approach to their offensive strategies.
With 171 shots on goal, the team ranks 28th, suggesting that while they may not generate an abundance of shots, their conversion rate is effective. The power play has been a significant asset, as they rank 7th with 4 power play goals.
Defensive Metrics
Defensively, the away team has delivered 146 hits, which positions them 22nd in the league, showcasing a physical style of play. Their shot-blocking efforts have resulted in 101 blocks, earning them the 20th rank.
The team is also adept at winning puck battles, with 179 faceoffs won, placing them 26th in the standings. This ability to control play in crucial situations could play a significant role in their upcoming game.
Handling the Puck
Giveaways have been a concern, with the team recording 119, putting them 10th in the league, suggesting a need for better puck management. However, their ability to recover possession is evident, as they rank 5th with 29 takeaways.
Despite losing 224 faceoffs, ranked 16th, their overall faceoff performance remains competitive. These statistics reflect a team that can capitalize on defensive errors while needing to improve in maintaining puck control.
Goaltending Overview
The goaltender has allowed 23 goals against, placing them 8th in the league, indicating a solid defensive backbone. With 189 saves, the netminder has proven to be a crucial component in the team’s defensive strategy.
Although no shutouts have been recorded, the goaltender’s performance has been pivotal in keeping games within reach. Consistent goaltending will be vital in their quest for success in the upcoming game.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-3 (25.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 1-4 (20.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 1-4 (20.0%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 0-4 (0.0%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U All Games: 3-2 (60.0%)
The Ducks’ Dive: Anaheim Set to Tackle Upcoming Game
Offensive Depth and Potential
The Anaheim Ducks have shown their offensive depth with impressive performances from players like Mikael Granlund. Granlund recorded 26 goals and 46 assists last season, ranking him 7th in both categories. His ability to create scoring opportunities is bolstered by his 227 shots on goal, placing him 15th overall.
Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry are essential contributors to the Ducks’ offense. Carlsson boasts 8 points from 3 goals and 5 assists, while Terry follows closely with 7 points from 2 goals and 5 assists. This dynamic duo enhances Anaheim’s scoring capacity, providing a formidable challenge for opponents.
Defensive Challenges and Physical Play
On the defensive end, the Ducks face challenges with Radko Gudas listed as questionable due to a lower-body injury. With 174 hits last season, Gudas is a crucial player in Anaheim’s physical strategy. His absence could impact the Ducks’ ability to dominate physically on the ice.
Blocking shots is another area of concern, as Anaheim ranks 25th with only 91 blocks. This presents a potential vulnerability that opponents may look to exploit. The Ducks will need to tighten their defense to support their goaltenders effectively.
Goaltending and Defensive Strategy
Petr Mrazek and Lukas Dostal share the responsibility between the pipes for the Ducks. Mrazek has demonstrated strong performances with 54 saves in his 2 games, while Dostal’s 132 saves over 5 games show his resilience in goal. Despite their efforts, the absence of shutouts may indicate areas for improvement in defensive support.
With Gudas potentially out, Anaheim may need to adjust their defensive strategy. Maintaining a solid defense will be crucial to support their goaltenders and limit scoring opportunities for their opponents.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 2-2 (50.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 2-2 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
Key Players and Injury Concerns
The Ducks’ success heavily relies on their key players, such as Mikael Granlund and Leo Carlsson. Granlund’s recent five-point game against Boston highlighted his offensive capability. His continued performance will be vital for Anaheim’s scoring potential.
Injuries remain a concern for the Ducks, with players like Jansen Harkins and Chris Kreider on the injury list. Harkins’ upper-body injury will keep him sidelined for 8 weeks, potentially affecting the team’s depth. These injuries could challenge Anaheim’s roster depth in the coming games.
The Anaheim Ducks have had a strong start to their season with a 4-2-1 record, while the Tampa Bay Lightning have struggled at 1-4-2. With Anaheim’s recent 7-5 victory over Boston showcasing their offensive capabilities, the Ducks are on a roll. Meanwhile, the Lightning have had difficulty securing wins, particularly as the favorite, with a 1-3 record in that role.
The Ducks have exhibited offensive prowess, led by Mikael Granlund’s standout performance against the Bruins. Granlund’s ability to contribute significantly, alongside teammates like Troy Terry and Nikita Nesterenko, enhances Anaheim’s chances. On the other hand, the Lightning’s current form, especially at home, raises concerns about their ability to contain Anaheim’s attack.
Despite playing away, Anaheim has shown resilience on their road trip and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. Tampa Bay’s struggles this season, combined with Anaheim’s current form and underdog odds of +166, make the Ducks an appealing pick. Given Tampa Bay’s recent performance, Anaheim’s momentum could be the deciding factor.
For this game, expect Anaheim to leverage their offensive depth and recent momentum to overpower the Lightning. My projected final score is Anaheim Ducks 4 – Tampa Bay Lightning 2, reflecting the Ducks’ potential to exploit the Lightning’s vulnerabilities.
Lightning vs Ducks Prediction: ‘Ducks +166’
- Lightning vs Ducks Prediction: Ducks +166
- Lightning vs Ducks Score: Ducks 4 – Lightning 2
