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 Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season.
NHL Predictions Overview
2025–26 Season Series: Blackhawks 1, Lightning 0
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: ESPN
Location: United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The Tampa Bay Lightning (31-13-4) hit the road to face the Chicago Blackhawks (21-22-7) in what looks like a classic speed versus scrappiness matchup. Tampa enters the game as one of the top offences in the league, winning 13 of 14. Chicago, playing in its 100th season, sits below .500 but features dynamic young talent in Connor Bedard and Tyler Bertuzzi, who will try to light a spark in front of its home crowd. This season’s only matchup in Chicago saw the Blackhawks steal a 3–2 win in late October thanks to two goals from Ryan Donato, including the late go-ahead tally.
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
Tampa Bay’s offence continues to hum, as the Bolts are averaging well over 3.50 goals-per-game this season and are particularly dangerous with elite talent like Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel on the ice. Tampa Bay is riding one of its most impressive stretches of the season. The Lightning recently extended their point streak to 14 games. Nikita Kucherov notched his 72nd point of the season. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy continues his excellent form between the pipes. The Lightning’s defence and goaltending (anchored by Vasilevskiy) give them stability on the back end, and Tampa’s depth scoring makes them tough to stop when they get rolling.
Keys to Victory for Tampa Bay
NHL Predictions thinks Tampa doesn’t just score in bunches, they score early, forcing opponents into uncomfortable chasing hockey. The Bolts need to neutralize Chicago’s transition. The Blackhawks love to generate offence off rushes and odd-man chances. Limiting those will stifle Chicago’s best opportunities. Then there’s special teams discipline. Their penalty kill percentage, 84.2, is third in the league. Tampa’s power play doesn’t need many chances to pay off, and avoiding penalties will keep Chicago’s momentum down.
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook
Chicago is still in a building phase, with Connor Bedard (48 points) leading the club in points and providing highlight-reel potential on any given night. Bedard’s combination of scoring and playmaking makes the Blackhawks dangerous, especially in even-strength play. Chicago enters this matchup tempered by recent results. The Blackhawks are middle-of-the-pack in the Central Division and have hovered around a .500 level. In contrast, they have shown flashes, particularly when Connor Bedard heats up, and when veterans like Tyler Bertuzzi make their presence felt on both ends. However, inconsistencies on defence and goaltending have kept this team from stringing together stretches of wins. Chicago will need to tighten gaps and capitalize on turnovers if they’re going to hang with a depth-heavy Lightning squad.
Keys to Victory from a Chicago Perspective
NHL Predictions thinks the Hawks need to find offence off the rush. Chicago’s best bet is quick, opportunistic goals generated before Tampa gets set. If they control traffic in front of Vasilevskiy, they can make this a game. Screening and chaos near the crease could be a ticker-tape parade if Tampa lets them get comfy. Finally, finish defensive shifts cleanly. Limiting odd-man breakouts and sustained Tampa pressure will keep this game closer. Chicago has a penalty kill percentage of 84.6, second in the league.
NHL Predictions: Who Takes the W?
This matchup has pace, momentum, and a little bit of redemption drama after Tampa’s earlier loss here. Tampa’s star power and recent form make them favourites, but Chicago’s Bedard-led attack can flip a game if given room.
Prediction: Lightning 5, Blackhawks 2
Tampa’s speed and depth overwhelm Chicago, but expect Chicago to put up a fight early.
Prop Bets of the Night
This is great time for our disclaimer. Please make sure to always check updated lineups and betting lines before placing wagers or finalizing daily fantasy starting rosters.
Lightning Team Prop – Over 3.5 Goals (-125): With Tampa’s scoring firepower and Chicago’s defensive lapses, multiple goals seem likely.
Blackhawks Anytime Scorer – Connor Bedard (+140): Bedard’s top-line production and threat level make him a great “anytime goal” pick.
Final Thoughts
This cross-conference matchup blends elite offence with youthful energy. Tampa wants to sustain its point streak and make a statement. Meanwhile, Chicago wants to defend home ice and show it’s not just a speed bump. Expect speed, skill, and occasional breakaway chaos as both teams chase puck luck.
Main Photo Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
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