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Tampa Bay (31-13-4) at Chicago (21-22-7)
- When: Jan 23 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: United Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- TV: ESPN
Tampa Bay vs Chicago NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -270
Spread: Tampa Bay -1.5 (-103)
Total: 6.0
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Breakdown
Tampa Bay rolls into Chicago playing grown-man hockey. Defense first, patience always, and goaltending that refuses to crack. The Lightning are riding a long point streak built on suffocating structure, allowing two goals or fewer in seven straight games. That trend is not accidental. It starts in net, where Andrei Vasilevskiy looks locked in again, and it continues with relentless puck pressure in the neutral zone.
The extra rest before this matchup matters. Tampa Bay plays a controlled style that wears teams down, and fresh legs only sharpen that edge. The checking line has been a nightmare for opposing stars, grinding shifts, killing time, and flipping the ice. When Tampa Bay scores first, games tend to tilt heavily in their favor because they simply do not give much back.
From a betting angle, the Lightning justify their heavy moneyline price. This matchup favors their discipline, depth, and ability to protect leads. If Tampa Bay gets average scoring support, their defensive form should do the rest.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Breakdown
Chicago comes home feeling good after an emotional shootout win, but this is a tough follow up. Playing the second night of a back to back against one of the league’s most structured teams is not ideal, especially for a young roster still learning consistency.
The Blackhawks showed fight and energy, and the goaltending was sharp, but those wins often come with a physical and emotional cost. Chicago still struggles to generate sustained offense at even strength, and that is a major problem against a team that thrives on smothering puck carriers and forcing low percentage shots.
There are positives. The return of key forwards adds some spark, and the youth movement continues to show flashes. However, against elite defensive teams, Chicago often needs special teams or chaos to stay close. Tampa Bay rarely provides either.
From a totals perspective, Chicago games can swing wildly, but this opponent usually drags them into slower, tighter contests. Chicago sweeping the season series would be a surprise given the current form on both sides.
NHL Prediction and Betting Outlook
Tampa Bay’s structure, goaltending, and rest advantage point clearly in one direction. Chicago’s effort is real, but this is a tough spot against a veteran team that knows how to close. The Lightning should handle business and keep this one low scoring.
Score Prediction: Lightning 4, Blackhawks 1
Pick: Tampa Bay -1.5 (-103)
Total: Under 6.0 (-110)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
