Game Overview

The Tampa Bay Lightning (20-14-2) travel to the Honda Center to take on the Anaheim Ducks (16-18-4) on January 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Tampa Bay is favored in this matchup, but Anaheim is riding some recent momentum after earning a hard-fought overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets. This game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and promises to deliver an exciting clash of styles.

Betting Odds

Team Analysis

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning have had an up-and-down stretch recently, splitting their last five games. Despite their offensive firepower led by Nikita Kucherov (54 points) and Brayden Point (23 goals), Tampa Bay's defense has shown signs of inconsistency, particularly on the road. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy remains a strong presence in the crease with a 2.38 GAA and a .914 save percentage, but the Lightning’s penalty kill has been mediocre at 81.8%.

Injury concerns for players like Victor Hedman and Jake Guentzel add uncertainty to Tampa Bay’s lineup. Their ability to contain Anaheim’s speed on the break will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this game.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks, sitting near the bottom of the Pacific Division, have found a spark lately, winning three of their last five games, including a thrilling overtime victory against Winnipeg. Troy Terry (31 points) and Trevor Zegras are the driving forces of Anaheim’s offense, but the team has struggled to generate consistent scoring, averaging just 2.50 goals per game.

Goaltender Lukas Dostal has been a bright spot for the Ducks with a .913 save percentage, often keeping them in games despite their defensive vulnerabilities. Anaheim’s penalty kill remains a glaring issue, ranked at just 74.3% efficiency, which could spell trouble against Tampa Bay’s potent power play.

Recent Performance

Tampa Bay Lightning

• 1/2/25: Lost to San Jose Sharks 2-1
• 12/29/24: Lost to Montreal Canadiens 5-2
• 12/28/24: Defeated New York Rangers 6-2
• 12/23/24: Defeated Florida Panthers 4-0
• 12/22/24: Lost to Florida Panthers 4-2

Anaheim Ducks

• 1/3/25: Lost to Edmonton Oilers 3-2
• 1/2/25: Defeated Winnipeg Jets 4-3 OT
• 12/31/24: Defeated New Jersey Devils 3-2
• 12/29/24: Defeated Edmonton Oilers 5-3
• 12/28/24: Lost to Philadelphia Flyers 3-1

Head-to-Head Comparison

This is the first meeting of the season between the Lightning and Ducks. Last year, Tampa Bay swept the season series, dominating Anaheim with their superior offense and depth. However, the Ducks have shown improvement in key areas, particularly in goaltending, which could make this matchup more competitive.

Betting Trends

• The Lightning are 3-2 ATS in their last five road games.
• The Ducks are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
• The under has hit in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games.
• The under has hit in 5 of Anaheim’s last 7 games.

Prediction