Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025–26 season.
NHL Predictions Flyers and Lightning
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: The Spot, NBCSP
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2025–26 Season Series: Lightning 2, Flyers 0
The Tampa Bay Lightning (27-13-3) are on the road in Philadelphia to meet the Flyers (22-13-8) in a rematch of Saturday’s lopsided 7–2 Lightning victory. In that game, Nikita Kucherov posted two goals and two assists, Brayden Point had three helpers, and Gage Goncalves chipped in with two goals. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 18 saves to preserve the win. Philadelphia comes into this rematch trying to shake off a tough weekend. Before the loss to Tampa, the Flyers have had mixed results, including a narrow overtime loss to the Maple Leafs (2–1) where Travis Konecny scored before leaving with an injury and Dan Vladar stopped 21 shots in net.
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
Tampa Bay is firing on all cylinders offensively and has been hard to slow down in recent weeks. In their rout of the Flyers 7–2, they extended their win streak to nine games. Kucherov’s nine-game point streak continues to be the backbone of the Lightning’s attack. Vasilevskiy has been steady in the net, and Tampa’s power play, while not elite (19.7%, 17th in league), does just enough to keep pressure on opponents. Defensively, the Lightning are disciplined (2.63 goals-against-per-game) and have a knack for turning stretch pass opportunities into offensive zone time. That’s what they want against a Flyers team that can sometimes overcommit in transition.
Keys to Victory – Tampa Bay
NHL Predictions thinks the Bolts should just stick to what worked Saturday: offence early and often. Keep using Kucherov as the fulcrum. He’s hot, well beyond living in Florida. Limit sloppy turnovers: Philly thrives when Tampa gives them odd-man chances, so don’t. It’s not rocket science. Keep special teams under control, an don’t give up cheap power plays. The Flyers need every opportunity to stay in it. When Tampa plays structured, aggressive hockey, they become the team many consider Eastern Conference contenders. But don’t tell that to their step-brothers, the Florida Panthers.
Philadelphia Flyers Outlook
The Flyers enter this game with a bit of hurt pride after being trounced by Tampa on Saturday. Philly’s overall numbers, 22-13-8 with 132 goals for and 127 against, reflect a team that can score and defend. Consistency has been a challenge. Forward Trevor Zegras leads the team with 41 points, while Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett provide depth scoring. Goaltending has rotated, but Samuel Ersson and Dan Vladar have each taken turns between the pipes as Philly tries to find reliable consistency. Philly’s power play (15.6%, 30th in league) hasn’t terrorized this season as their concession-stand line has, so they need to generate offence at even strength and capitalize on any special-team chances they get.
Keys to Victory – Philadelphia
NHL Predictions thinks the Flyers have to either set the first goal tone or answer back early. Getting the first bun in the oven would change the feel from “hangover” to “comeback.” Stay out of the box: Penalties against Tampa’s offensive depth will be brutal. It’s like having the whole team taking practice shots against you in the warmup session. Balance scoring: Zegras, Konecny, Tippett, and Garnet Hathaway need to contribute, or this could be another long night. If the Flyers play with urgency and tighten up around the net, they’ll have a chance to steal momentum from Tampa.
NHL Predictions: Who Takes the W?
This feels like a revenge game with a dash of moral imperative. Tampa wants to prove Saturday wasn’t a fluke. Philly doesn’t want to flounder (fish puns are awesome), and wants to show it isn’t completely inept against the Lightning. But given Tampa’s offensive firepower and continued depth contributions…
Prediction: Lightning 5, Flyers 3
Tampa wins again, but Philly scratches back a few goals because it’s Philly, and chaos is a lifestyle.
Prop Bets of the Night
Always check social media or official lineups for updated injury news and betting lines before placing wagers or locking in DFS rosters.
Lightning Team Prop – Over 3.5 Goals (-115): Tampa’s offence should produce again.
Flyers Anytime Scorer – Trevor Zegras (+140): Zegras is Philly’s best bet for response offence.
Final Thoughts
This rematch promises plenty of action. Tampa’s riding a long win streak and offensive confidence, while Philly needs to rebound with grit and moments of opportunism. Expect a spirited contest and many spirits consumed by the fans.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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