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Lightning vs. Ducks prediction: Why Tampa Bay is favored to win Wednesday's NHL matchup [12/31/2025]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks predictions for NHL Wednesday.
The Anaheim Ducks will square off with the Tampa Bay Lightning in NHL action at Honda Center on Wednesday, starting at 4:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' proven NHL model predicts the Lightning as the most likely winner of the Lightning vs. Ducks game.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Wednesday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Lightning vs. Ducks prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using trusted machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Wednesday's NHL game between the Lightning and Ducks 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Lightning a 59% chance of defeating the Ducks.
According to our model, the Ducks (+1.5) have a 63% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal over/under has a 52% chance of staying under.
Lightning vs. Ducks odds
We have sourced the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Lightning | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+154) | +1.5 (-175) |
| Moneyline | -155 | +135 |
| Total | o6.5 (-110) | u6.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Lightning vs. Ducks picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Ducks +1.5 | -175 |
| Moneyline | Lightning | -155 |
| Total | Under 6.5 | -110 |
According to our best NHL bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.
Lightning vs. Ducks player props
Who will score a goal in Lightning vs. Ducks?
According to our model, Jake Guentzel is most likely to score an anytime goal in Lightning vs. Ducks.
Our projections give Guentzel a 43.4% chance of scoring a goal at Honda Center, while the star is a 9.7% chance of registering the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Jake Guentzel | 43.4% |
| Brandon Hagel | 37.0% |
| Brayden Point | 36.4% |
| Nikita Kucherov | 35.5% |
| Anthony Cirelli | 21.7% |
Anaheim Ducks
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Chris Kreider | 26.9% |
| Leo Carlsson | 25.3% |
| Cutter Gauthier | 25.1% |
| Mason McTavish | 22.7% |
| Beckett Sennecke | 22.1% |
First goal scorer predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Jake Guentzel | 9.7% |
| Brayden Point | 7.4% |
| Brandon Hagel | 6.9% |
| Nikita Kucherov | 6.8% |
| Anthony Cirelli | 3.7% |
Anaheim Ducks
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Chris Kreider | 5.0% |
| Cutter Gauthier | 4.7% |
| Leo Carlsson | 4.1% |
| Beckett Sennecke | 3.9% |
| Mason McTavish | 3.9% |
Lightning vs. Ducks game-day updates and essential details
Wednesday's action between the Ducks and Lightning at Honda Center is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM ET.
- Who: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Anaheim Ducks
- Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM ET/1:00PM PT
- Venue: Honda Center
Conclusion
We predict the Lightning, with a 59% win probability, will likely beat the Ducks on Wednesday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Lightning vs. Ducks insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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