Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the New Jersey Devils. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n
2024\u201125 \u00a0Season Series: Lightning 2 \u2013 Devils 1<\/i>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Time:<\/b><\/span> 7:00 PM Eastern<\/p>\n TV:<\/b><\/span> ESPN+ \u00a0 Location:<\/b><\/span> Amalie Arena<\/p>\n The Bolts enter this one looking to quickly reaffirm their status as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference<\/a>. \u00a0After an Opening Night loss to the Ottawa Senators<\/a>, the minutes can’t tick away quick enough until they lace back up. Brayden Point<\/a> tallied a goal, Nikita Kucherov scored twice and Oliver Bjorkstrand added a power-play goal. It wasn’t enough as Shane Pinto scored his second of the game in the final period to take the Ottawa Senators to a 5-4 win. Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/a> was back in net, but was rusty on some suspect shots. It was apparent he only played two periods in the preseason.<\/p>\n Still, Tampa\u2019s identity is attack-first. If they can force turnovers, generate odd-man rushes, and get to second-chance opportunities, they\u2019ll keep the pressure on the Devils.. Their depth remains a strength; the \u201cnext line\u201d needs to chip in so the opponent can\u2019t just pitch a shut-down unit.<\/p>\n Simplify the breakout. New Jersey will look to clog passing lanes and pressure the blue line. If the Lightning rush their transitions or force turnovers, the Devils might bite on fakes and leave gaps. Also\u2014don\u2019t let Jacob Markstrom see too much rubber unless you like highlight-reel saves.<\/p>\n The Devils, meanwhile, are hoping to unleash a little chaos. They\u2019re not the fastest team in metro sprawl, but they have weapons: Jesper Bratt and Luke Hughes<\/a> both tallied two points each in an opening night 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes<\/a>. Corey Glass also scored.\u00a0Dougie Hamilton (when healthy), showed with a goal that he can hurt you when given space.<\/p>\n Goaltending will be crucial. Jacob Markstrom let in five goals \u00a0on 32 shots in their opener, but when he is in net, he\u2019s still fully capable of stealing this game, if the Devils\u2019 structure holds up. But if shots get through traffic or cross-ice feeds are allowed, Markstrom might look more like a tourist.<\/p>\n Make Tampa defend. Don\u2019t let them settle. Turn pucks over in the offensive zone, force the Lightning defense to make tough decisions, and get traffic in front of Vasilevskiy. Win the board battles. Also, capitalize on special teams\u2014if New Jersey nets one on a man advantage, it could shift momentum.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay has proven harder to beat in this head-to-head: they went 2\u20131 against New Jersey in 2024\u201125.\u00a0 <\/span>Home ice, veteran depth, and Vasilevskiy give them a slight edge. That said, the Devils aren\u2019t pushovers, and if they get hot, this could get spicy. But, the Bolts are a tad bit upset from the opening loss. Don’t expect a two game losing streak.<\/p>\n Prediction:<\/b><\/span> Lightning 4, Devils 2<\/p>\n We expect Tampa to jump early, maybe let up in the mid-game, then close it out with some second-period pressure.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s spice up the betting side with a few fun prop ideas:<\/p>\nTampa Bay Lightning Outlook<\/b><\/h4>\n
Key to Victory<\/b><\/b><\/h4>\n
New Jersey Devils Outlook<\/b><\/h4>\n
Key to Victory<\/b><\/h4>\n
Prediction: Who\u2019ll Take It?<\/b><\/h4>\n
Prop Bets of the Night<\/b><\/h3>\n