Published Dec 30, 4:04am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 30, 4:04am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Dec 30, 4:04am ET
Teams in differing form will lock horns in the NHL on Dec 31. Find the odds and our Lightning vs. Ducks picks here.
It has been a challenging period for the Ducks, as they have suffered defeats in each of their last three games. However, they remain in a playoff-hunting position in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Lightning have found their groove in the Eastern Conference, winning their last four to sit second in the Atlantic Division.
The Anaheim Ducks have endured a challenging period of the season after losing each of their last three to drop to third in the Pacific Division standings.
Anaheim remain in a playoff-chasing position, and they still have one of the best offensive records in the NHL this season after scoring an impressive 134 goals. But, they have recorded just three wins in their last ten.
Over the same period, they have suffered six defeats in regulation. Their latest defeat was suffered at the Honda Center on Monday, succumbing to a 5-4 loss against the San Jose Sharks.
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The festive period has been a positive time for the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they have climbed to second in the Atlantic Division after winning each of their last four.
They have gone 6-3-1 over their last ten, and only the Canadiens have scored more goals than Tampa in the division so far this season.
The Lightning have also picked up victories in regulation on 22 occasions this season, which is the second-most. Last time out, they required a shootout to overcome the Montreal Canadiens.
| TOTAL | Lightning | Ducks | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 47 | 26 | 20 | - |
| GOALS | 246 | 128 | 118 |
These two sides couldn’t be in more contrasting recent form. The Lightning have been in excellent form over the festive period, and this looks like a good opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Atlantic Division. Preference is for the home win.
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Pick
Tampa Bay Lightning
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