- Matchup: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
- Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
- Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
- Broadcast: WXPX-TV
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The Tampa Bay Lightning (46-22-6) will welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-16) to Amalie Arena this Thursday.
In their previous game, the Pittsburgh Penguins secured a convincing 5-1 victory against the Red Wings, showcasing a powerful offense. They took 31 shots on goal, managing to score on 5 occasions. Although they had 3 power play opportunities, they failed to convert any. The Penguins incurred 9 penalty minutes during this contest.
This season, the Penguins’ opponents have had 221 chances on the power play (ranked 14th in the league), resulting in 41 goals. Pittsburgh has faced 2,048 shots against, posting a save percentage of .889. They have attempted 2,175 shots themselves, achieving a shooting percentage of 12.0%. At even strength, Pittsburgh has conceded 187 goals while scoring 209. This season they’ve had 213 power play opportunities, with a successful conversion rate of 23.94%, netting 51 goals. With 92 points, their points percentage stands at .613. Overall, the Penguins have scored 260 goals (5th in the NHL) and allowed 228.
Stuart Skinner will be in goal for the Penguins. Throughout his career, Skinner has played 197 games, accumulating a record of 109 wins, 62 losses, and 18 overtime losses. He has started 191 contests and faced 517 goals, with a goals-against average of 2.71. Having faced 5,389 shots, he has secured 4,872 saves, resulting in a .904 save percentage over 9,277 minutes played. He has produced 105 quality starts, giving him a percentage of 55.0%.
On the other side, the Tampa Bay Lightning suffered a defeat against the Canadiens, losing 4-1. Despite generating 4 power play chances, they were unable to capitalize, scoring just 1 goal from 37 shots taken.
This season, Tampa Bay has attempted 2,099 shots (ranked 15th in the NHL) with a shooting percentage of 12.58%, while allowing 1,987 shots on goal. Their penalty kill efficiency is 82.10%, having thwarted 189 power play attempts from their adversaries. The Lightning has a power play effectiveness of 22.12%, scoring 50 goals from 226 opportunities, ranking 11th in professional hockey. In total, they’ve scored 214 goals at even strength and allowed 205 goals (164 at even strength and 41 while shorthanded). This season, Tampa Bay boasts 264 goals and 98 points, with a points percentage of .662.
Andrei Vasilevskiy will guard the net for the Lightning. Vasilevskiy has an impressive career record of 366 wins, 176 losses, and 39 overtime losses, having played in 592 games. His quality start percentage is 58.8%, with 342 quality starts throughout his career. He has tallied 15,988 saves against 17,442 shots for a save percentage of .917. He has allowed an average of 2.50 goals per game, totaling 1,454 goals conceded over 28,748 minutes and 582 starts.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NHL battle against the spread or moneyline?
Prediction: Go with Tampa Bay
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