Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, 3/14/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

Location: Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL

TV: WXPX-TV

The Carolina Hurricanes (41-18-6) are traveling to Amalie Arena on Saturday where they will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning (40-20-4).

The Carolina Hurricanes had a rough game after their 3-1 loss against the Blues in the last game they played. Carolina accumulated 2 mins in the box in this matchup. The Hurricanes had a below average offensive performance in this loss. Moreover, they had 2 power play attempts but weren't able to convert one of them into a goal. In the game, they converted 1 out of the 32 shots they looked to score on.

When at even strength, the Hurricanes have conceded 150 goals while scoring 181 themselves. Carolina Hurricanes opponents have totaled 181 power play opportunities (22nd in the league) and have notched 37 goals in those attempts. Regarding their scoring capabilities, the Carolina Hurricanes have accumulated 225 goals (6th in the National Hockey League) so far this season and have allowed 187. Carolina has attempted 2,094 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.7%. For the season, the have a total of 88 points and their points percentage sits at .677. The Hurricanes have had 1,568 shots taken against them and have earned a save percentage of .881. Carolina skates onto the rink with 198 power play opportunities and they have notched 44 goals out of those attempts, giving them a rate of 22.22%.

The man in goal for this game is Brandon Bussi. Bussi has participated in 31 games throughout his professional hockey career. He has an overall record of 25-5-1 and he was named the starter in 31 games. The opposition has racked up 74 goals versus Bussi in his professional career and his goals against rate is 2.39. Bussi has had 721 shots taken against him and has recorded 647 saves. He has a save percentage of .897 for his 78 minutes between the pipes. Over the course of his pro career, Bussi has compiled 17 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .548.

In their last outing, Tampa Bay faced off against the Red Wings in an outing where the Lightning ended up with the win by a tally of 4-1. They had 1 chance on the power play in this outing and notched 1 on that chance. The Lightning tallied 4 goals out of the 28 shots on goal they were seeking.

The Lightning have earned 181 goals at even strength and 44 goals (12th in pro hockey) while on the power play. Tampa Bay has tried 1,809 shots (19th in hockey) and has accumulated a shooting percentage of 12.44%, while allowing the opposition 1,731 shots. This season, the Tampa Bay Lightning are sitting with 225 goals, 84 points, as well as a points percentage of .656. They have permitted 176 goals to be scored by way of 138 goals at even strength and 38 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have earned 198 power play opportunities and they have a power play rate of 22.22%. They have recorded a penalty kill rate of 81.46% on their opponents 205 power play tries, and their save percentage is 89.8%.

On the other side of the ice you will find Andrei Vasilevskiy patrolling the crease. Teams are averaging 2.50 goals/game and he has allowed 1,434 goals altogether. Vasilevskiy's rate of quality starts comes out to 58.5% and he has 336 quality starting assignments in his pro hockey career. He got the starting nod in 574 contests and has accumulated 28,728 minutes. Vasilevskiy is the owner of a lifetime record of 361-174-38 and has been in net for 584 games. He has accrued 15,815 stops out of the 17,249 shots attempted against him, giving him a save percentage of .917.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Carolina

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