- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Vegas (5-1-2) at Tampa Bay (2-4-2)
- When: Oct 26 2025, 5:00 PM
- Where: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL, USA
- TV: SCRIPPS
Vegas vs Tampa Bay NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -135
Spread: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+175)
Total: 6.0
Tampa Bay Lightning Analysis
The Lightning have been a force at home lately, and Nikita Kucherov’s milestone night only added more spark to their lineup. With his 1,000th career point, Kucherov joined Tampa legend Steven Stamkos in elite company and reminded everyone why he’s the heartbeat of this franchise.
Tampa’s 4-3 win over Anaheim wasn’t perfect, they blew a two-goal lead but they proved they can still find ways to win behind leadership and clutch play. Anthony Cirelli sealed it with a late power-play goal, showing the team’s depth is still dangerous even beyond its star names.
Head coach Jon Cooper emphasized that experience doesn’t guarantee results, a pointed reminder that the Lightning can’t rely on history alone. Still, with Kucherov firing on all cylinders and Victor Hedman also reaching his own career milestone (800 points), Tampa looks ready to keep their home ice momentum rolling.
Player Prop Pick: Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 Points – Kucherov has been dialed in, collecting multiple points in three of his last four games.
Vegas Golden Knights Analysis
Vegas hit their first real wall of the season with a 2-0 shutout loss to Florida, snapping an eight-game point streak. The reigning champs suddenly looked mortal, managing just 17 shots in the defeat. With captain Mark Stone and goalie Adin Hill both sidelined, Bruce Cassidy’s group is navigating unfamiliar turbulence.
Goaltending is the big question now. Akira Schmid has stepped in admirably, but the crease rotation is in flux after the signing of Carter Hart, who won’t debut until early December. Rookie Carl Lindbom is expected to make his NHL debut in this game an unenviable task against a Lightning offense heating up fast.
Vegas still boasts a top-tier defensive system, but without Stone’s two-way dominance and Hill’s consistency, the margin for error has shrunk. Expect them to tighten up and try to slow the game’s pace, but Tampa’s firepower at home could be too much to contain.
Player Prop Pick: Jack Eichel Over 3.5 Shots on Goal – Eichel has taken 5+ shots in three of his last four games and remains Vegas’ most active offensive weapon.
Final Score Prediction
The Lightning keep their home streak alive behind another Kucherov masterclass, while Vegas’ depleted lineup struggles to keep up.
Score Prediction: Lightning 4, Golden Knights 2
Pick: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+175)
Total: Under 6.5 Alt Lines (-130)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
