Date: January 5, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA

 

Recent Performance

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks meet for the first time this season, with both teams looking to build momentum as the calendar turns to 2025. The Lightning are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, where both teams played a strong defensive game, Tampa was backed up by Andrei Vasilevskiy who made 17 saves. Tampa Bay enters the game with a 22-14-2 record, sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division with 42 points.

The Ducks, meanwhile, have been strong in recent weeks, winning three of their last 5 games. Most recently, they fell 3-2 to the Edmonton Oilers. Anaheim holds a 16-20-2 record and sits near the bottom of the Pacific Division with 36 points. Despite the loss, standout rookie Leo Carlsson had an assist with goals coming from Brett Leason and Jackson LaCombe, showcasing the lack of offensive production from their young players with growing potential.

Team Records and Trends

Tampa Bay Lightning:
The Lightning were heating up, winning four 8 of their 11 games in December but have cooled off in 2025 with 2 losses to start the new year. Their offense has dried up in with only 4 goals in their last 3 games. Tampa’s power play remains lethal, and their penalty kill remains solid, utilizing the special teams will be critical in order to get back in the win column. 

 

Anaheim Ducks:
The Ducks are in the midst of a rebuilding season but have seen bright spots in the play of their young core. However, their special teams have been a major issue, with a power play operating at just 13% (30th in the NHL) and a penalty kill at 74.3% (26th in the NHL). 

Key Players to Watch

Tampa Bay Lightning:

• Brayden Point: With 44 points (23 goals, 21 assists) in 32 games, Point remains one of the most dangerous offensive players in the Lightning lineup.
• Victor Hedman: The veteran defenseman continues to anchor the blue line with 29 points (5 goals, 24 assists) and strong defensive play.

 

Anaheim Ducks:

• Troy Terry: Terry leads the Ducks in points with 31 (13 goals, 18 assists) and will be key to generating offense against Tampa’s sturdy defense.
• Leo Carlsson: The Swedish rookie is playing well this season with 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) and continues to show flashes of brilliance in his 2nd season in the NHL.

Goaltending

Tampa Bay Lightning:

• Jonas Johansen: Expected to start, Johansson has been an alright backup for the Lightning. He boasts a 4-2-1 record, a 3.36 GAA, and a .900 save percentage.

 

Anaheim Ducks:

• Lukas Dostal: Likely to start for Anaheim, Dostal has had a terrific season behind a struggling defense, with a 10-11-3 record, a 2.73 GAA, and a .913 save percentage.

Special Teams

• Tampa Bay: Their power play is among the league’s best at 25.9% (5th in the NHL), and their penalty kill has been good too sitting at 82% (11th in the NHL).

 

• Anaheim: The Ducks have struggled significantly, with a power play at 13% (30th in the NHL) and a penalty kill at 74.3% (26th in the NHL) both ranking among the bottom of the league.

 

Recent Trends

• Tampa Bay have lost 3 straight games and have only scored 4 goals in that span. Tonight is the last game of the road trip out west.
• Anaheim have won 3 of their last 5 games, outscoring those opponents 15-14 during that stretch.

Game Outlook

The Lightning enter this matchup as the favorites, with their high powered offense and elite goaltending giving them the edge. Anaheim will need a strong performance from Lukas Dostal and contributions from their young stars to keep the game competitive. Expect Tampa Bay to control possession and take advantage of Anaheim’s struggling special teams, but the Ducks could surprise if they capitalize on counterattacks and limit mistakes.

Both teams aim to start 2025 on the right foot, but Tampa’s depth and form will make this game tonight a fun one to watch.

 

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