Venue: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
Broadcast: ESPN+, Local Networks
The Los Angeles Kings (14-10-9) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (18-12-3) in a cross-conference matchup highlighting offensive talent against structured defense. The Lightning aim to capitalize on home ice and returning players, while the Kings seek to break a scoring slump on the road. This is the first meeting of the 2025-26 season.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon)
Los Angeles Kings:
Darcy Kuemper (upper body): Out (IR) – David Rittich or Pheonix Copley expected in net.
Minor depth issues; core forwards Anže Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, and Quinton Byfield available.
Drew Doughty and Brandt Clarke anchoring defense.
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Brandon Hagel (upper body): Day-to-day – Did not practice; questionable.
Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed): Game-time decision – Skated and expected back.
Andrei Vasilevskiy (undisclosed): Game-time decision – Trending toward return; Jonas Johansson backup if needed.
Erik Černák and Victor Hedman managing minor issues but available.
Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel fully healthy.
Lightning potentially strengthened by returns; Kings missing key goaltender adds vulnerability.
Key Player Matchups
Nikita Kucherov vs. Kings Defense (Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson): Kucherov’s elite scoring and playmaking (~1.6 PPG pace) tests LA’s physical blue line; Doughty’s shutdown ability crucial.
Brayden Point vs. Anže Kopitar: Point’s speed and finishing vs. Kopitar’s two-way mastery; faceoff and neutral-zone battles key.
Kevin Fiala/Adrian Kempe vs. Lightning Transition D (Hedman, McDonagh if active): Kings’ wing speed exploits gaps; Hedman’s puck-moving counters.
Goaltending Uncertainty: Rittich/Copley (inconsistent form) vs. Vasilevskiy (Vezina pedigree) or Johansson; high-danger saves and rebound control pivotal.
Special Teams: Lightning’s top-5 PP (Kucherov/Point) vs. Kings’ solid PK; discipline in physical game important.
Expect skill-driven plays with physical edges; home crowd amplifies Lightning’s forecheck.
Team Records and Standings Context
Los Angeles Kings: 14-10-9 (Mid-tier Pacific Division). Inconsistent but capable of strong stretches.
Tampa Bay Lightning: 18-12-3 (Competitive Atlantic Division). Balanced with offensive depth.
Recent Team Form
Kings: Struggling offensively, scoring ≤2 goals in last four games (all non-wins), including 3-2 loss to Florida (Dec 17). Road defense allowing ~3.2 goals lately; searching for secondary scoring beyond top lines.
Lightning: Improved home play desired after mixed results; strong outputs from Kucherov/Point lines. Eager to build momentum with potential returns; 6-4 in last 10.
Tampa Bay motivated at home; Kings aiming to snap scoring drought.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Lightning hold edge (~31-15 with ties/OT).
Recent (Last 10): Lightning 6-3-1; often competitive with strong goaltending duels.
2025-26 Season: First meeting.
At Tampa: Lightning dominant lately (won 5 of last 7 vs. Kings).
Betting Trends
Lightning strong ATS as home favorites; Kings mixed as road underdogs.
Unders trending in Kings games; Lightning home totals variable but lower with Vasilevskiy.
Sharp action on regulation decision.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Tampa Bay Lightning – 230
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
