Lightning vs Kraken Prediction 3/17/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Lightning vs Kraken prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, March 17th at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning are 40-21-4 this season after they lost to the Hurricanes by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Tampa Bay tied the game at two late in the second period, but they allowed two goals in the third for the loss. The Lightning were out shot by a total of 35-19, won 46.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Tampa Bay got goals from Gourde and D’Astous, while Vasilevskiy stopped 31 out of 34 shots, which was a .912 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Tampa Bay defeated the Red Wings by a score of 4-1, but did lose to the Blue Jackets by a score of 5-2 before that. The Lightning have lost seven of their last nine games and they are currently second in the Atlantic standings with 84 points. Tampa Bay has scored 3.49 goals per game and they have allowed 2.77 goals against per game, while also going 21.9% on the power play and 81.6% on the penalty kill this season. Nikita Kucherov has led TB with 34 goals and 72 assists, while Jake Guentzel has added 29 goals and 40 assists. The projected starting goalie for Tampa Bay is Andrei Vasilevskiy, who is 30-12-3 with a 2.30 goals against average and a .914 save percentage this season. 

Seattle Kraken Betting Preview

The Seattle Kraken are 31-26-9 this year after they defeated the Panthers by a score of 6-2 in their last game. Seattle had their lead cut to 2-1 in the first period, but they scored the next four goals to pull away with the win. The Kraken recorded 25 shots on goal, won 42.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Seattle got goals from Catton, Kakko, McMann, Meyers, Winterton, and Oleksiak, while Daccord stopped 23 out of 25 shots, which was a .920 save percentage.

Prior to that game, Seattle defeated the Canucks by a score of 5-2, but lost to the Avalanche by a score of 5-1 before that. The Kraken have won two games in a row and they are currently fourth in the Pacific standings with 71 points. Seattle has scored 2.88 goals per game and they have allowed 2.96 goals against per game, while also going 21.4% on the power play and 73.6% on the penalty kill this season. Jordan Eberle has led Seattle with 22 goals and 26 assists, while Matty Beniers has added 18 goals and 25 assists. The projected starting goalie for Seattle is Joey Daccord, who is 19-16-5 with a 2.89 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this year. 

Why the Seattle Kraken will win

• The Kraken have won each of their last four games as underdogs following a home win.
• The Lightning have lost each of their last three games as a favorite when playing with a rest advantage.
• The Kraken have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as underdogs following a home win.
• The Lightning have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as road favorites following a home loss.
• The Lightning have lost the third period in four of their last five games as road favorites.

Why the Tampa Bay Lightning will win

• The Lightning have won each of their last four road games against Pacific Division opponents.
• The Kraken have lost four of their last five games at Climate Pledge Arena.
• The Kraken have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games at Climate Pledge Arena.
• The favorites have covered the puck line in four of the Kraken’s last five games.
• The Lightning have won the third period in each of their last four games against Western Conference opponents when leading after the second period.

Total Goals Facts

• Seven of the Kraken’s last eight night games against Atlantic Division opponents at Climate Pledge Arena have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Four of the Lightning’s last five games against opponents on a winning streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Lightning’s last eight games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in eight of the Kraken’s last nine games.

Seattle Kraken Player Prop Facts

• Vince Dunn has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Kraken’s last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents at Climate Pledge Arena.

Tampa Bay Lightning Player Prop Facts

• Brandon Hagel has scored at least one goal in four of the Lightning’s last five games against the Kraken.
• Nikita Kucherov has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances against Pacific Division opponents.

Lightning vs Kraken Prediction

Seattle comes into this matchup on a two game winning streak and their offense has stepped up, as they have scored 11 goals in their last two games. The Kraken are 17-13-5 at home this year, while the Lightning are 20-9-4 on the road. Tampa Bay has really struggled over the last few weeks and they have allowed 4, 5, and 8 goals in three of their last four games. These teams are trending in different directions and Seattle finally has some momentum, so I like the Kraken here.

David Racey's Pick: Kraken ML