Lightning vs. Blues Prediction, Odds, Picks – Dec. 22

NHL Game Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning vs St. Louis Blues

The National Hockey League (NHL) is set to stage another thrilling matchup as the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the St. Louis Blues at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, December 22, 2025. This game promises a high-stakes battle with key players like Brandon Hagel and Pavel Buchnevich contributing significantly.

Game Information

The matchup will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and can be streamed on ESPN+. For those who prefer live updates, FOX Sports will have the boxscore ready.

Betting Insights

The Tampa Bay Lightning are favored to win this game. Here’s a breakdown of the betting odds:

• Puck Line: Lightning -1.5 @ 105 and Blues +125 (Underdog)
• Total Over/Under: 5.5 goals with an over line at +120 and under line at -100

These odds reflect the belief that the Lightning will not only win but also score more than 1.5 goals above the Blues.

Prediction Analysis

According to experts, the total number of goals in this game is likely to be over 5.5. This prediction is based on historical data and current team performances. Here are some key points that support this view:

• The Lightning have already scored above 5.5 goals in 35 matches this season.
• The Blues, meanwhile, have seen their opponents score more than 5.5 goals in 18 of their 37 games.

These statistics suggest that both teams are capable of producing a high-scoring game, making the over bet an attractive option for fans and bettors alike.

Team Stats and Player Analysis

The Tampa Bay Lightning stand out in several key areas:

• Tampa Bay has scored 113 goals this season (3.2 per game) with a solid defensive record, giving up just 93 total goals.
• Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov are leading the charge for Tampa Bay, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts.

In contrast, the St. Louis Blues:

• Have scored 94 goals (2.5 per game) but struggle defensively, conceding an average of 3.4 goals per game.
• Pavel Buchnevich is a standout player for the Blues, contributing both offensively and in defensive play.

The disparity between these teams’ offensive capabilities could make this a highly anticipated game, with the Lightning likely to dominate on offense but facing challenges defensively against the Blues’ potent scoring.

Overall, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest, blending star power with strategic battle plans. Fans and bettors alike should keep a close eye on these teams as they vie for victory and top honors in the NHL.