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Utah (27-20-4) at Tampa Bay (32-14-4)
- When: Jan 26 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL, USA
- TV: Utah16
Utah vs Tampa Bay NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -172
Spread: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+145)
Total: 6.0
Tampa Bay Lightning Preview
Also Known as Calm Down We Are Still Very Good
Tampa Bay just came off a game that looked less like hockey and more like a beer league scrimmage where everyone forgot defense was optional. Yes, the point streak finally snapped. Yes, eight goals were allowed. No, the sky is not falling.
Before that chaotic night, the Lightning were collecting points like groceries before a snowstorm. Fifteen straight games with at least one point does not vanish because Columbus decided to turn the rink into a track meet. Tampa Bay knows exactly who it is and what it does well.
At home, this team is usually ruthless. They control pace, clean up rebounds, and turn power shifts into momentum swings. The offensive depth is still there, the structure is still there, and embarrassment tends to wake this roster up fast. Opening a long homestand after a messy loss is usually when Tampa refocuses and reminds everyone why they are priced as favorites.
From a betting perspective, this is a classic reset spot. Public memory remembers the eight goals. Sharper bettors remember the previous month. Tampa Bay on home ice after a defensive meltdown is not something to fade lightly.
Utah Mammoth Preview
Also Known as The Team Nobody Expected But Everyone Respects
Utah arrives feeling fantastic and honestly they should. This team is rolling, collecting points, and climbing the standings with a style that is equal parts speed and chaos. They play fast, pressure relentlessly, and turn small mistakes into odd man rushes before opponents realize what happened.
The Mammoth have been excellent at spreading production throughout the lineup. One night it is the top line. Another night it is depth scoring. That balance has carried them through a strong stretch and into playoff positioning.
That said, road hockey against elite teams is still a different animal. Utah plays with confidence, but sustained pressure against a veteran home favorite is a step up in class. Falling behind early would force them into riskier hockey, and that is where things can unravel.
For gamblers, Utah is live in terms of effort and energy, but the matchup and venue tilt heavily toward the home side.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
This game sets up as a bounce back statement. Tampa Bay does not enjoy being embarrassed, and the response is usually structured and sharp. Utah will compete and generate chances, but over sixty minutes the Lightning experience and home ice should take control.
The total feels fair, but Tampa tightening things up defensively points toward a more controlled outcome than Utah recent games.
Lightning regroup, Mammoth cool slightly, and bettors backing the home favorite sleep comfortably.
Score Prediction: Tampa Bay 4, Utah 2
Pick: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+145)
Total: Under 6.5 Alt Lines (-130)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
