Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the New Jersey Devils. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to watch: The Spot, SN, NHLN, MSGSN
Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
2024–25 Season Series: Tampa Bay 2 New Jersey 1
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
The Bolts (9-7-2) host the New Jersey Devils (13-4-1) in a matchup featuring speed and skill. Tampa is coming off a 6-2 drubbing to the Vancouver Canucks, where they allowed five goals in the 3rd period. Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel scored for Tampa Bay, giving them a 2-0 lead, but that went south in the land far north of Sunshine City. The Lightning are 4-5 at home this year, while the Devils bring a 6-4 road record into this one, armed with enough offensive talent to make any goalie consider switching careers.
Keys to Victory – Tampa Bay
Simplify the breakout. Tampa has sometimes treated its zone exits like they’re auditioning for a magic show; lots of flair, not always the results. Give Kucherov the puck and let him do Kucherov things. Besides the goal against Vancouver, one assist in the prior three games won’t cut it. While he may not log 121 points like last season, he remains one of the most dangerous players in the league, especially if he gets space in transition.
Defence needs bite. Victor Hedman is Day-to-Day, but expected back. He must take command on the blueline. Four assists in his last four games is fine, but Tampa needs him to shut down New Jersey’s top threats and put one in the net. With Ryan McDonagh on injured reserve, the next stable D-man needs to announce himself.
Lastly, slow down the Devils’ transition game. Jack Hughes is on IR, but Jesper Bratt (12 assists) can turn neutral-zone chaos into goals faster than you can exit the Lincoln Tunnel into New Jersey. Tampa must clog lanes and make New Jersey feel like the ice is uphill both ways.
New Jersey Devils Outlook
The Devils roll into Tampa energized, winning four of their last five. Yes, two were Shootouts, and that won’t win playoff games, but it shows they thrive in pressure. Dawson Mercer (nine goals) needs to pick up the slack in Hughes’ absence. Timo Meier (five goals, nine assists) needs to light the lamp as well. In net, Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrong have split games and played well, so either man should be able to pour enough suntan lotion on the gloves of Tampa’s scorers to keep them off the scoreboard.
NHL Predictions Keys to Victory – New Jersey
NHL thinks the Lightning can get sloppy under pressure. If the Devils pounce early in the neutral zone, they can generate turnovers and quick-strike chances. They will need to keep traffic in front and churn chaos everywhere. Tampa’s goalie, Vasilevskiy, thrives on rhythm, so New Jersey must break it like a coconut out of a palm tree. Bratt, with three assists in his last three games, will need to step up. He needs to get buzzing and become the primary stirrer of the chaos pot. Lastly, win the special teams battle. Tampa’s power play is dangerous. New Jersey can’t take “oops” penalties. If the Devils tilt the special teams advantage their way, they can swing this game quickly.
NHL Predictions: Who Takes the W?
This matchup has fireworks written all over it. Tampa has home ice, offensive depth, and a goalie who can steal games. The Devils have pure speed, relentless pressure, and enough high-skill players to make every shift feel like a track meet.
Tiny edge goes to the Devils; but not by much.
Prediction: Devils 3 Lightning 2 (OT)
(Because the Devils force overtime. It’s what they do.)
Prop Bets of the Night
Under 6.0 Total Goals (+120):
Both teams can score in bunches, but both sides are missing their big guns.
Jesper Bratt Anytime Point (-185):
If even one Devil is going to annoy Tampa fans all night, it’s him.
Final Thoughts
NHL Predictions thinks this has elite playmakers, end-to-end action, high-speed rushes, and two teams trying to assert themselves in a crowded Eastern playoff race. Tampa wants to establish home-ice dominance; New Jersey wants to prove they can run with anyone, anywhere.
Main Photo Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: November 18th Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.