The Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning will meet in the NHL on Thursday night in Tampa. Tampa comes into this game as one of the heaviest favorites on the board in the NHL on Thursday. But they are mired in a long losing streak and will try to end it against Chicago. Before this game begins from Florida, continue reading to get my Blackhawks vs Lightning prediction.
Our Blackhawks vs Lightning Pick
- Pick: Blackhawks +1.5
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Chicago Blackhawks vs Tampa Bay Lightning
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. ET
- Venue: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
Recent form
Chicago enters at 3-2-2 and has looked reasonably sharp so far this season. They are averaging 3.14 goals per game on 24.4 shots, while holding opponents to 2.43 goals per game. Their most recent win came in a 2-1 overtime game against Anaheim.
Tampa Bay is 1-3-2, with four losses in their last five contests and three losses in a row. They are giving up 3.5 goals per game while averaging 2.67 goals per game offensively. The Lightning are coming off a four-game road trip and will hope that home ice can help them turn things around.
Goaltending
Tampa Bay’s long-time starter Andrei Vasilevskiy has a perfect 13-0 record against Chicago with a .930 save percentage. But he is 0-2-2 this season with a 3.50 GAA. Chicago’s Spencer Knight has a .937 save percentage a 1.96 GAA. Knight has been the better goaltender lately and will try to continue that in this game.
Key skaters
Chicago’s emerging star has been Frank Nazar. He leads the club in points with seven (3 goals, 4 assists) and is off to a strong start. Connor Bedard has also contributed with a team-high five assists. Tampa Bay forwards like Jake Guentzel (6 points) and Anthony Cirelli (3 goals) must carry the offensive load if they are going to end their losing streak.
Best Player Props
| Player | Prop |
|---|---|
| Frank Nazar (CHI) | Over 1.5 Points |
| Connor Bedard (CHI) | Over 1.5 Points |
| Jake Guentzel (TBL) | Over 1.5 Points |
Betting Trends & H2H
- This is the first of two games to be played between these teams this season.
- Chicago is 7-0 on the puckline to start this season.
- Tampa is 2-4 on the puckline going into this game.
- Five of Chicago’s seven games have gone under their totals.
- The Lightning are 3-3 on over/unders early in the year.
- Chicago is 1-1-1 on the road this year.
- Tampa Bay is 0-2-0 in their first two home games.
Blackhawks vs Lightning Model Projection
Score Projection: Tampa Bay 4 – Chicago 3
Win Probability: Chicago 30%, Tampa Bay 70%
Final Thoughts
Tampa Bay should get a win on Thursday night to end its losing streak. But I think that the Chicago Blackhawks will cover the puckline as an underdog here. The Blackhawks have been playing some legitimately good hockey of late and that should continue in this game. Give me Chicago to keep this game within a goal or to win it outright on the road.
