The Los Angeles Kings (16-13-9) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (23-13-3, winners of five in a row) at Crypto.com Arena. The matchup on Thursday, Jan. 1 starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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As hockey action continues, prepare for the contest by checking out which club we predict will pick up the victory in Thursday's game.
The Lightning's offense has scored 41 goals during their last 10 outings, while their defense has allowed 28 goals. They have registered 37 power-play opportunities during that time, and have scored eight goals (21.6%). They are 7-2-1 over those contests.
Kings vs. Lightning Predictions for Thursday
Our computer projection model for this encounter predicts a final tally of Kings 4, Lightning 3.
- Moneyline Pick: Kings (-122)
- Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
- Spread Pick: Lightning (+1.5)
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Kings Splits and Trends
- The Kings are 16-13-9 overall and 5-9-14 in overtime matchups.
- Los Angeles is 9-5-4 (22 points) in its 18 games decided by one goal.
- Looking at the 10 times this season the Kings finished a game with just one goal, they have a 1-7-2 record, good for four points.
- Los Angeles has finished 4-6-1 in the 11 games this season when it scored two goals (registering nine points).
- The Kings are 11-0-6 in the 17 games when they have scored at least three goals (to record 28 points).
- In the 17 games when Los Angeles has recorded a single power-play goal, it went 8-6-3 to register 19 points.
- In the 23 games when it outshot its opponent, Los Angeles is 9-9-5 (23 points).
- The Kings have been outshot by opponents in 14 games, going 7-3-4 to register 18 points.
Lightning Splits and Trends
- The Lightning (23-13-3 overall) have posted a record of 5-3-8 in contests that have needed OT this season.
- In the 16 games Tampa Bay has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 16 points.
- This season the Lightning scored only one goal in three games and they finished 0-2-1 in those matchups.
- When Tampa Bay has scored a pair of goals this season, they've earned eight points (3-5-2 record).
- The Lightning have earned 40 points in their 24 games with three or more goals scored.
- Tampa Bay has scored a single power-play goal in 13 games this season and has registered 18 points from those matchups.
- When outshooting its opponent this season, Tampa Bay is 7-9-2 (16 points).
- The Lightning have been outshot by opponents in 20 games, going 15-4-1 to register 31 points.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Kings Rank | Kings AVG | Lightning AVG | Lightning Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29th | 2.58 | Goals Scored | 3.31 | 5th |
| 2nd | 2.55 | Goals Allowed | 2.64 | 4th |
| 16th | 28.1 | Shots | 27.4 | 20th |
| 9th | 26.9 | Shots Allowed | 26.8 | 8th |
| 32nd | 14.41% | Power Play % | 16.67% | 24th |
| 22nd | 78.29% | Penalty Kill % | 84.85% | 3rd |
Kings vs. Lightning Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California
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