Tampa Bay (37-22-4) at Carolina (38-22-4)
- When: Mar 11 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
- TV: ESPN+/Hulu
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Betting Preview & Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes (-120)
The Hurricanes have been on fire, entering this matchup on a four-game winning streak and continuing to build momentum as they integrate their newly acquired pieces. Their recent roster shake-up has already yielded immediate dividends, as Mark Jankowski and Logan Stankoven both scored in their Carolina debuts in Sunday’s 5-3 victory over Winnipeg.
Jankowski, acquired from Nashville, and Stankoven, part of the Mikko Rantanen trade from Dallas, add offensive depth to a Hurricanes squad that has already been one of the best two-way teams in the league.
“Once it all settled in, Carolina obviously is a contending team,” Jankowski said about his move to Raleigh.
Now, the focus shifts to chemistry. As the newcomers get more comfortable in Carolina’s system, the Hurricanes could become even more dangerous down the stretch.
Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start in net, and while he took the loss in the January 7th matchup against Tampa Bay, he remains a key part of Carolina’s defensive core. The Hurricanes are just two points behind the Lightning in the standings, making this a pivotal game in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Tampa Bay Lightning (+100)
The Lightning come in red-hot as well, having won 10 of their last 12 games before getting blanked 4-0 by Boston on Saturday. That game snapped their three-game winning streak, but Tampa Bay has proven it can bounce back quickly.
Before the loss to the Bruins, the Lightning offense had been clicking, scoring six goals in each of their two previous games. However, Tampa struggled to generate chances against a tough Boston defense, something they will need to fix quickly against a Carolina team that thrives on disrupting offensive rhythm.
“We’ve just got to turn the page,” Lightning forward Brandon Hagel said.
One major concern for Tampa Bay is the status of captain Victor Hedman, who missed Saturday’s game with a lower-body injury. If he’s unable to suit up, the Lightning will have a tough time shutting down Carolina’s attack, especially with new playmakers finding their groove.
Despite their struggles against Boston, the Lightning have already beaten Carolina twice this season. They opened the year with a 4-1 win in Raleigh, then followed that up with a 3-2 victory at home in January. Tampa Bay has had the upper hand in this matchup, but can they do it again against a red-hot Carolina team?
Betting Analysis & Predictions
Moneyline: Carolina -120 (Hurricanes have momentum, home-ice advantage, and new offensive depth)
Total: Under 5.5 (+102) (Both teams have strong defensive structures, and Tampa struggled offensively last game)
Best Bets:
Hurricanes -120 (Carolina has the edge with home ice and offensive reinforcements)
Under 5.5 Goals (+102) (Tampa’s offense was shut down last game, and Kochetkov should be solid in net)
With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, expect a tight, low-scoring battle. However, with Carolina rolling and Tampa Bay missing Hedman, the Hurricanes should capitalize and extend their winning streak to five games.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
