The Tampa Bay Lightning (20-13-2) travel to face off against the Los Angeles Kings (22-10-5) on Saturday, January 4th. This game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and televised on ESPN+. Both the Lightning and Kings will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 ET.

Lightning vs Kings

The Tampa Bay Lightning Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Lightning fell to 20-13-2 after a 7-4 road loss to the Jets. Tampa Bay held a 2-0 lead early but couldn’t hold on, giving up seven unanswered goals. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the 11 combined goals easily surpassed that mark.

Tampa Bay was the underdog on the puck line, and the loss dropped their record to 20-13-2. Four different players scored for the Lightning, but two empty-net goals from the Jets sealed the game.

The Los Angeles Kings Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Los Angeles fell to 22-10-5 after a 4-3 loss to the Blackhawks. The Kings were favored on the puck line and the total for the game was set at 6 goals, but the 7 combined goals surpassed that mark.

Los Angeles led 3-0 before giving up four unanswered goals. The Blackhawks tied the game with just 31 seconds left in regulation, and then scored the game-winner in the shootout.

Tampa Bay Offense Breakdown

Tampa Bay’s offense put up 4 goals on 30 shots in their 7-4 loss to Winnipeg. Brandon Hagel opened the scoring with his 7th goal of the season, while Brayden Point added his 8th on a power play. Mitchell Chaffee netted his 4th goal, and Nikita Kucherov scored for the 10th time this season.

The Lightning had 8 giveaways and recorded 4 assists. After scoring twice in the first period, they added another goal in the second before Kucherov’s final tally tied the game at 4-4 in the third period.

Kings Offense Breakdown

Alex Laferriere netted two goals for the Kings, bringing his season total to 7 and 8. Phillip Danault added his first goal of the season and also picked up his 4th assist. Kevin Fiala contributed with two assists, giving him 4 and 5 on the year.

Los Angeles fired 40 shots on goal but only found the net three times. The Kings scored once on the power play and recorded 13 giveaways. They scored in each period, with Laferriere’s first goal coming on a power play in the first period.

Tampa Bay Team Defense

Defensively, the Lightning had a rough outing, allowing 7 goals on 32 shots from the Jets. Goalie Jonas Johansson made 27 saves, finishing with a save percentage of 84.4%. Tampa Bay’s defense also recorded 6 takeaways and 16 hits. After tying the game at 4-4 in the 3rd period, the Lightning gave up three goals, including two empty-netters.

Los Angeles Team Defense

Defensively, the Kings allowed 3 goals in the 3rd period, including one at 0:31, which tied the game at 3-3. Goalie Darcy Kuemper made 18 saves with a save percentage of 85.7%. The Kings’ defense also had 6 takeaways and 24 hits.

Lightning vs Kings Trends

• Tampa Bay has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 3 goals per game while allowing 1. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 4-1.
• Los Angeles has played well in their previous three home games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 2. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 2-1.
• Los Angeles has done well both straight up and vs the puck line when favored to win the game, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 puck line in their last five games.
• Tampa Bay has done well both straight up and vs the puck line when favored to win the game, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 puck line in their last five games.

Lightning vs Kings Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Kings to take down the Lightning at home. With the moneyline currently at -124, I’m placing my bet on the Kings straight-up.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Lightning to cover. Even if the Kings manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Lightning should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.