The Vegas Golden Knights (5-1-2) travel to Amalie Arena to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (2-4-2) in an early-season interconference clash on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM ET. Get in on all the action with our free NHL picks.
Vegas Golden Knights Analysis
Vegas enters the weekend on a mini-surge after winning 4 of their last 5. However, their most recent game was a 3-0 loss to Florida.
Key Player Stats & Trends
Jack Eichel: 6 G, 10 A (16 PTS) through eight games; continues to drive offense on the top line.
Mark Stone: 2 G, 11 A (13 PTS); two-way force, leads the team in takeaways.
Goaltending: Adin Hill (1-0-2, .888 SV%, 2.73 GAA) has been shaky early.
Team Overview: Vegas is still elite defensively — ranking top-five in expected goals against per 60 — but their shooting percentage is middle-of-the-pack.
Strengths: Structure, depth, veteran experience, team defense. Weaknesses: Finishing efficiency, occasional lapses on the penalty kill when under extended pressure.
Tampa Bay Lightning Analysis
The Lightning have had a sluggish start, losing 6 of 7 at one point, but they ahve some momentum after a 4-3 win over Anaheim.
Key Player Stats & Trends
Nikita Kucherov: 2 G, 5 A (7 PTS) — another blistering start; top-five in the NHL in total points.
Brayden Point: 2 G, 5 A (7 PTS); remains the anchor at center on the top unit.
Goaltending: Andrei Vasilevskiy (0-3-2, .885 SV%, 3.41 GAA) a miserable start.
Team Overview: Tampa Bay, Defensively, has shown cracks when the forecheck falters — a possible issue against Vegas’s relentless cycling game.
Strengths: Explosive top-six, elite power play, proven clutch performers. Weaknesses: Blue-line depth.
Standout Players and Key InjuriesVegas Golden Knights:Tampa Bay Lightning:Lightning vs Golden Knights Prediction Reasoning
This game sets up as a high-skill duel between disciplined structure and explosive offense. Vegas thrives in 5-on-5 possession battles, while Tampa’s special teams — especially the power play — could be the great equalizer.
Expect the Knights to attempt to slow the Lightning’s rush game through physical forechecking and tight gaps, while Tampa will look to draw penalties and exploit the man advantage. Tampa is just playing so poorly right now, they cannot be trusted. We will be on Las Vegas.
Final Score Projection: Lightning 3, Golden Knights 4
Best Picks Over 6.0 Total Goals Las Vegas ML 
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