Lightning vs. Predators prediction, odds, pick for Oct. 31, 2026

The Tampa Bay Lightning are favored to beat the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday (2:00 PM ET), according to Dimers' NHL model.

Our Lightning vs. Predators prediction gives Tampa Bay a 58.2% chance of winning, but the latest odds suggest there's betting value on the Predators as the underdog.

Lightning vs. Predators key predictions

• Lightning win probability: 58.2%
• Predators win probability: 41.7%
• Predators +1.5 puck line: 63.7% cover probability
• Under 6.5 goals: 55.7% probability

Our NHL predictions estimate how many goals each team is likely to score, accounting for factors such as recent performance, shooting and save percentages, home-ice advantage, and rest.

We then calculate the probability of each team winning and covering the puck line, plus the chance the game goes over or under the total, and compare those probabilities with the latest odds to find betting value.

Lightning vs. Predators odds

Here are the best available odds across the moneyline, puck line, and total goals markets we track.

• Lightning moneyline: 61¢ (Novig)
• Predators moneyline: 39¢ (Novig)
• Lightning -1.5: 39¢ (Novig)
• Predators +1.5: -160 (BetMGM)
• Over 6.5 goals: 46¢ (Novig)
• Under 6.5 goals: 55¢ (Novig)

Odds are subject to change and may vary by location.

Lightning vs. Predators pick: Predators moneyline (39¢)

Our model makes the Lightning the likelier winner, but our best value bet is the Predators moneyline at 39¢ on Novig.

Those odds give the Predators an implied win probability of 39.5%, while our model puts it at 41.7%.

That's a 2.2% edge, the largest across the moneyline, puck line, and total goals markets for this game.

Lightning vs. Predators goal-scorer predictions

Our NHL player props model simulates each matchup 10,000 times to estimate goal-scoring probabilities, factoring in expected player usage, lineup changes, opponent strength, and projected team goals.

Nikita Kucherov of the Lightning leads the anytime goal-scorer projections for Saturday's game at 37.3%, ahead of teammate Brandon Hagel (36.8%). Nashville's most likely goal-scorer, Filip Forsberg, is close behind at 36.3%. Kucherov also leads the first goal-scorer projections at 7.5%.

Most likely anytime goal-scorers

1. Nikita Kucherov (Lightning): 37.3%
2. Brandon Hagel (Lightning): 36.8%
3. Jake Guentzel (Lightning): 36.3%
4. Filip Forsberg (Predators): 36.3%
5. Steven Stamkos (Predators): 35.8%

First goal-scorer predictions

1. Nikita Kucherov (Lightning): 7.5%
2. Jake Guentzel (Lightning): 7.4%
3. Filip Forsberg (Predators): 7.0%
4. Steven Stamkos (Predators): 7.0%
5. Brandon Hagel (Lightning): 6.8%

These are model probabilities, not betting recommendations. Compare projections with available odds to assess potential value.

Get every Lightning vs. Predators prediction with Dimers Pro

Dimers Pro members get full access to our Lightning vs. Predators predictions, including:

• Best bets across the moneyline, puck line, and total goals markets
• Full anytime and first goal-scorer probabilities for players on both teams
• Player prop edges for anytime goal-scorer, first goal-scorer, shots on goal, points, and assists markets

Lightning vs. Predators game details

• Matchup: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators
• Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
• Puck drop: 2:00 PM ET
• Venue: Bridgestone Arena

About this prediction

This preview uses predictions from our NHL models, presented through a template written by our editorial team. Matchup details fill in automatically.

Predictions are estimates, not guarantees, and can change as new information comes in, such as injury news or starting goaltender confirmations. Learn how our predictions work.

Dimers encourages responsible gambling.