NHL Schedule
- Canucks @ Lightning on Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 at 02:00 PM PST
Introduction
The Vancouver Canucks are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM UTC at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. This matchup presents an intriguing contrast between the Canucks’ recent struggles and the Lightning’s offensive prowess.
Team Analysis
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have encountered challenges in recent games, notably a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on November 15, 2025. In that game, Elias Pettersson contributed a goal and an assist, while Kevin Lankinen made 34 saves. However, the team has been inconsistent, losing six of their last eight games. Defensively, Vancouver has struggled, allowing an average of 3.5 goals per game, ranking 29th in the league. Their penalty kill is also underperforming, sitting at the bottom of the NHL with a 66.7% success rate. Injuries have further impacted the team, with key players like Thatcher Demko, Filip Chytil, Derek Forbort, Guillaume Brisebois, Jett Woo, and Nils Hoglander sidelined.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have demonstrated a strong offensive surge, leading the NHL with an average of 5.20 goals per game since November 25, 2025. This offensive output is the highest in the league during that period. Defensively, Tampa Bay has been solid, conceding an average of 2.9 goals per game, ranking eighth in the league. Their penalty kill is also effective, operating at an 88.2% success rate, placing them fourth in the NHL. Key players like Jake Guentzel, Nikita Kucherov, and Brandon Hagel have been instrumental in the team’s success, each contributing significantly to the Lightning’s offensive depth.
Key Matchup Factors
Head-to-Head History
In their last ten encounters, the Lightning have secured seven victories against the Canucks, indicating a strong historical advantage. This trend suggests that Tampa Bay has been able to consistently outperform Vancouver in recent matchups.
Important Player Matchups
The performance of goaltenders will be crucial in this matchup. With Thatcher Demko injured, Kevin Lankinen is expected to start for the Canucks. Lankinen has a 3-5-2 record this season, with a 3.58 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage. On the other hand, Tampa Bay’s goaltending duo of Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson has been effective, with Vasilevskiy posting a 5-5-2 record, a 2.92 GAA, and a .896 save percentage, and Johansson recording a 3-1-0 record, a 2.83 GAA, and a .913 save percentage. The performance of these goaltenders will be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.
Injuries and News
Vancouver’s injury list includes key players such as Thatcher Demko, Filip Chytil, Derek Forbort, Guillaume Brisebois, Jett Woo, and Nils Hoglander. The absence of these players has impacted the team’s performance, particularly in defensive and goaltending positions. Tampa Bay, however, has a healthier roster, with no significant injuries reported, providing them with a more stable lineup for this matchup.
Home/Away Performance
The Lightning have been strong at home, winning eight of their last ten games at Benchmark International Arena. In contrast, the Canucks have struggled on the road, winning only one of their last five away games. This disparity suggests that Tampa Bay’s home advantage could play a significant role in the game’s outcome.
Betting Analysis
Spread Analysis
The Lightning are favored with a -1.5 spread, reflecting their superior performance and home advantage. Given Vancouver’s recent struggles and defensive vulnerabilities, betting on Tampa Bay to cover the spread appears to be a prudent choice.
Total (Over/Under) Analysis
The over/under is set at 6.5 goals. Considering both teams’ recent scoring trends—Tampa Bay’s offensive surge and Vancouver’s defensive lapses—the over is a compelling option. Additionally, the total has gone over in eight consecutive games for the Canucks, indicating a propensity for high-scoring affairs.
Best Value Opportunities
Betting on Tampa Bay to cover the -1.5 spread offers value, given their home advantage and Vancouver’s defensive issues. Additionally, the over on 6.5 goals presents a promising opportunity, aligning with both teams’ recent scoring patterns.
Prediction
Tampa Bay is expected to secure a victory, potentially with a score of 4-2, covering the -1.5 spread. The over on 6.5 goals is also a favorable bet, considering the offensive capabilities of both teams and Vancouver’s defensive challenges. Utilizing Wannamakeabet’s points-based betting system, these insights can guide informed wagering decisions for this matchup.