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 Edmonton Oilers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions Overview
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to watch: ESPN+, HULU, Sportsnet
Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
2024–25 Season Series: tied 1–1
The Bolts (10-7-2) welcome the Edmonton Oilers (9-9-4) in a clash of offensive juggernauts. Tampa is fresh off a 5-1 exorcism of the Devils, while the Oilers went to the capital city and got nothing done against Washington. Sounds like Congress is in session. But don’t let that fool you. Any team with Connor McDavid still has bite. The Lightning haven’t been lethal at home (5-5-0), but the Oilers aren’t exactly playing the role of road warrior on their way to Benchmark International Arena in Tampa either. Their 4-7-2 away record doesn’t inspire Hollywood (or hockey) confidence.
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
Jake Guentzel scored the eighth hat trick of his career against the New Jersey Devils. Nikita Kucherov is finding his form with a goal and an assist. Andrei Vasilevskiy gobbled 31 saves as Tampa Bay is 9-3-0 in its last dozen games. With the offence clicking, their defence and penalty killing will need to be ready for the Oilers’ power play (30.8 %, good for third in the league).
Keys to Victory – Tampa Bay
NHL Predictions thinks Tampa sometimes makes zone exits look like a Cirque du Soleil audition. Against Edmonton’s forecheck, clean and boring is beautiful. They need to neutralize Edmonton’s extra-man advantage. Tampa cannot afford “oops” penalties unless they enjoy watching McDavid and Draisaitl play keep-away and make you pay. Vasilevskiy needs vision. His defence needs to keep the lanes uncluttered so he can see the jets trying to land behind him.
Edmonton Oilers Outlook
The Oilers, fresh off back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, are still powered by their dynamic duo. Leon Draisaitl (13 goals, 11 assists) and Connor McDavid (nine goals, 21 assists) are on a two-game losing streak. The Oilers’ strength? Offence that feels unfair. Their weakness? Defence that occasionally resembles a polite suggestion. Stuart Skinner‘s consistency in net remains a question mark. He needs to carry the team, not just his gloves and luggage, as this is Edmonton’s sixth road game in a row. So expect some tired legs, or at least a few bad jokes about frequent flyer miles.
Keys to Victory – Edmonton
NHL Predictions thinks it’s not rocket science. Feed the stars. McDavid and Draisaitl aren’t just Edmonton’s best players, they’re full-on cheat codes on a video game. If they’re buzzing, Tampa’s defence will be gasping. Crash Vasilevskiy’s crease. The Lightning goalie thrives on rhythm. Screens, tips, rebounds; make him uncomfortable. Then, let’s mention their special teams edge for a third time. Edmonton’s power play is a weapon of mass frustration. If they win this battle, they tilt the ice.
NHL Predictions: Who Takes the W?
This one screams fireworks. Tampa has home ice, depth, and Vasilevskiy. Edmonton has two of the best players on Earth and a power play that makes penalty killers cry.
Prediction: Lightning 5, Oilers 4 (OT)
(Because if McDavid and Draisaitl are involved, overtime feels inevitable.)
Prop Bets of the Night
- Over 6.5 Total Goals (-115): Both teams can score like it’s a video game with a broken pause button.
- McDavid or Draisaitl Anytime Point (-250): Picking one is like asking which pizza topping is better.
Final Thoughts
NHL Predictions thinks this matchup has everything: elite playmakers, highlight-reel goals, and two fan bases that expect greatness every night. Tampa wants to prove they’re still Cup contenders, while Edmonton wants to show their saved GPS route to the Finals isn’t a fluke.
Main Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: November 20th Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.