The Tampa Bay Lightning (28-13-3) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (21-14-9) in an Eastern Conference clash that features a red-hot Lightning team on a 10-game winning streak against a Penguins squad looking to snap a two-game skid. This marks the first meeting of the season between the two, with Tampa Bay’s high-powered offense facing Pittsburgh’s veteran core. Expect a fast-paced game where goaltending and special teams could be decisive, especially with key injuries impacting both sides.
Venue Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This modern arena, opened in 2010, seats about 18,387 for hockey and has been the Penguins’ home since replacing the Civic Arena.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT). Doors open at 6:00 PM ET, with the game broadcast nationally on ESPN+, locally on SN-PIT (Penguins) and BSSUN (Lightning), and radio on 102.5 The Bone (Lightning) and 105.9 The X (Penguins).
Recent Team Forms
The Lightning are on fire with a 10-game win streak, outscoring opponents 42-22 in that span and showcasing elite offense (3.53 GPG, 2nd in NHL). They’ve gone 10-0-0 in their last 10, with strong goaltending from Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Penguins, after a six-game win streak, have dropped two straight shutouts and are 6-2-2 in their last 10, struggling offensively (averaging 2.0 goals in losses).
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s last five games:
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Performers |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Jan 12, 2026 | vs. Philadelphia Flyers | W 4-3 | Nikita Kucherov: 2 G, 1 A; Andrei Vasilevskiy: 27 SV |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Jan 10, 2026 | at Philadelphia Flyers | W 7-2 | Brayden Point: 2 G (before injury); Jake Guentzel: 1 G, 2 A |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Jan 6, 2026 | vs. Colorado Avalanche | W 4-2 | Nikita Kucherov: 1 G, 2 A; Victor Hedman: 2 A (before injury) |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Jan 4, 2026 | at New York Rangers | W 5-3 | Steven Stamkos: 2 G; Andrei Vasilevskiy: 32 SV |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Jan 2, 2026 | vs. Toronto Maple Leafs | W 3-1 | Brandon Hagel: 1 G, 1 A |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Jan 11, 2026 | vs. Boston Bruins | L 0-1 | Joonas Korpisalo: 27 SV; Sidney Crosby: 5 SOG |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Jan 10, 2026 | vs. Calgary Flames | L 1-2 | Evgeni Malkin: 1 G; Dustin Wolf: 25 SV (for CGY) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Jan 8, 2026 | at New Jersey Devils | W 4-1 | Sidney Crosby: 2 A; Anthony Mantha: 1 G, 1 A |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Jan 4, 2026 | vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | W 5-4 | Kris Letang: 1 G, 2 A |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Jan 3, 2026 | vs. Detroit Red Wings | W 4-1 | Bryan Rust: 2 G (before injury) |
Injury Report
Tampa Bay Lightning: Brayden Point (out, lower-body injury from Jan 12 game), Victor Hedman (out, undisclosed), Ryan McDonagh (out, undisclosed), Emil Martinsen Lilleberg (out, undisclosed), Scott Sabourin (out, undisclosed). The Lightning’s defense is depleted, potentially straining their blue line, but their depth has held up during the streak.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Bryan Rust (day-to-day, lower-body – expected to play), Caleb Jones (IR, lower-body – expected Jan 25), Rutger McGroarty (IR, undisclosed), Carl Hallander (out, leg). Pittsburgh’s forward group is mostly intact, but Rust’s status could impact secondary scoring.
These injuries could force Tampa Bay to rely on younger defensemen, while Pittsburgh might miss Rust’s speed if he sits.
Key
Player Matchups
This game highlights star power on both sides, with Tampa Bay’s explosive forwards testing Pittsburgh’s veteran defense and goaltending.
Nikita Kucherov (TBL) vs. Sidney Crosby (PIT): Kucherov (leading NHL with 62 points) brings multipoint streaks (9 games) against Crosby’s playmaking (5 G, 9 A in last 10). This captain-vs-star matchup could dictate pace.
Jake Guentzel (TBL) vs. Kris Letang (PIT): Guentzel (former Penguin, 25+ points) returns to Pittsburgh, facing Letang’s defensive zone coverage (recent 1 G, 2 A games).
Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) vs. Evgeni Malkin (PIT): Vasilevskiy (top-5 GAA at 2.44) vs. Malkin’s scoring touch (recent GWG) – Pittsburgh’s power play (28.6%, 2nd in NHL) tests Tampa’s PK (83.1%).
Brandon Hagel (TBL) vs. Erik Karlsson (PIT): Hagel’s speed (20+ goals) vs. Karlsson’s offensive defense could create transition opportunities.
Bench Impact: Lightning’s depth (e.g., Steven Stamkos if available) vs. Penguins’ Anthony Mantha (14 G, 15 A) – Tampa’s streak relies on secondary scoring amid injuries.
Tampa Bay’s offense edges out, but Pittsburgh’s home ice and veterans could exploit defensive gaps.
Series History
The Penguins hold a slight all-time edge with 70 wins to the Lightning’s 62 in 132 regular-season meetings (with 8 ties). Pittsburgh has won 28 of 62 home games against Tampa Bay. In the last 10 encounters, Tampa Bay is 4-5-1, but they’ve split the last 4 (2-2-0). Playoff history is even at 1-1 series (Penguins won 2016 ECF, Lightning won 2011 QF). Recent games average 5.8 total goals, often high-scoring.
Betting Trends
Spread: Tampa Bay is 8-2 ATS in last 10, covering in 7 straight road games. Penguins are 4-6 ATS in last 10, but 16-6 ATS at home.
Moneyline: Tampa Bay has won 10 straight as favorites.
Over/Under: Over hitting in 6 of last 10 head-to-heads. Lightning games have gone over in 7 of last 10; Penguins in 5 of 10.
Trends: Lightning are 10-0 SU in last 10, +12.5 units. Penguins 1-4 SU/ATS in last 5. Player props favor Kucherov over 1.5 points (-110) and Crosby over 0.5 assists (-120).
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning – 135
Pittsburgh Penguins 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 12, 2026
