The Chicago Blackhawks host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday evening at the United Center at 8:00 p.m. ET. According to NHL odds, Tampa enters this game as a -220 favorite, with the total set at six goals.
The Bolts have dominated this matchup over the past decade, winning 16 of the past 19 meetings. 15 of those 16 wins have come by at least a two-goal margin.
Read on as I explain my Lightning vs. Blackhawks predictions and NHL picks for Friday, January 25.
Lightning vs Blackhawks prediction
My best bet
Lightning -1.5 (+115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
It shouldn’t be very shocking that the Tampa Bay Lightning have dominated this matchup since 2017, given each organization's direction since then. This gap continues to widen in 2025, as Tampa is the stronger team in every category.
One of the best goaltenders of this generation, Andrei Vasilevskiy, is slated to guard the cage for the Bolts on Friday. Vasilevskiy is 20-14-2 with a .914 SV% and 2.38 GAA through 36 starts this season.
The strong two-way play in front of him has made his job easier. The Lightning rank ninth in xGA/60.
Meanwhile, this blue line and goaltender can play confidently, knowing that this team can light the lamp at any time. Entering this matchup, Tampa ranks 10th in xGF/60 and first in goals scored per game.
This success in the offensive zone is likely to continue against the Chicago Blackhawks, a team that ranks 26th in xGA/60. Goaltender Petr Mrazek, who is projected to start between the pipes on Friday, has struggled with the product in front of him.
Through 28 starts, Mrazek is 9-16-2 with a .896 SV%.
The Bolts possess the stronger goaltender, offense, and blue line, and there is little reason to believe that they won’t win by two or more goals against the Hawks once again.
Lightning vs Blackhawks same-game parlay (SGP)
Lightning -1.5
Brayden Point any time goal scorer
Jake Guentzel any time goal scorer
If we are backing Tampa to win by two or more goals, then we need some of its skaters to find the back of the net. There are no two better candidates than Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel, who rank first and second, respectively, on the team in both goals and power-play goals.
They skate together on both the second line and first power play unit, two relatively easy ways to attack Chicago. The Hawks rank 20th in penalty minutes taken per game and 28th in xGA/60 at 5-on-5.
At least one of either Point or Guentzel scored in three of the past four games, while both scored in two outings.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Lightning vs Blackhawks odds
Lightning vs Blackhawks live odds
Lightning vs Blackhawks opening odds
- Puck line: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+120) | Chicago +1.5 (-135)
- Moneyline: Vegas (-220) | Dallas (+180)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)
Lightning vs Blackhawks trend
Tampa has won 16 of the past 19 meetings between these two teams, with 15 of those 16 wins coming by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Lightning vs Blackhawks
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, 1-24-2025 |
| Puck drop | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Sun, CHSN |
Lightning vs Blackhawks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
