Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, 4/2/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026

Location: Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL

TV: WXPX-TV

The Tampa Bay Lightning (46-22-6) are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-16) at Amalie Arena on Thursday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 5-1 victory against the Red Wings in the last game they played. The Penguins had a solid offensive output and it showed in the win. For the game, they were able to notch a goal on 5 out of the 31 shots they launched. In addition, they had 3 chances on the power play but didn't net one. Pittsburgh recorded 9 penalty minutes in this matchup.

Pittsburgh Penguins opponents have recorded 221 power play opportunities (14th in the league) and have tallied 41 goals in those chances. The Penguins so far have had 2,048 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .889. Pittsburgh has attempted 2,175 shots and has a shooting percentage of 12.0%. At even strength, the Penguins have given up 187 goals while earning 209 on the offensive side of the ice. Pittsburgh is sitting with 213 power play opportunities and they have notched 51 goals during those advantages, garnering them a percentage of 23.94%. For the year, they have tallied 92 points and their points percentage sits at .613. When it comes to their goal scoring prowess, the Pittsburgh Penguins have accumulated 260 goals (5th in the National Hockey League) over the course of the season and have surrendered 228.

The player protecting the goal in this game is Stuart Skinner. Skinner has participated in 197 games over the course of his professional hockey career. He has amassed an overall record of 109-62-18 and he has gotten the start in 191 games. Opponents have notched 517 goals against Skinner in his career and his goals against rate is 2.71. Skinner has had 5,389 shot attempts against him and has garnered 4,872 saves. His save percentage is .904 during his 9,277 minutes in the crease. Over the course of his pro career, Skinner has earned 105 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is at .550.

In their last contest, Tampa Bay played the Canadiens in a game where the Lightning ended up taking the loss by a final score of 4-1. They had 4 opportunities on the power play in this game but weren't able to score a goal. The Lightning converted 1 goal of the 37 shots on goal they were seeking.

Tampa Bay has tried 2,099 shots (15th in the NHL) and has earned a shot percentage of 12.58%, while allowing their opponents 1,987 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 82.10% on their opponents 229 chances on the power play, and their save percentage comes in at 89.7%. They have a tally of 226 opportunities on the power play and they have accumulated a power play rate of 22.12%. The Lightning are sitting with 214 goals at even strength and 50 goals (11th in professional hockey) while on the power play. They have allowed 205 goals to be scored by of a combination of 164 goals at even strength and 41 goals while they were shorthanded. On the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning are sitting with 264 goals, 98 points, in addition to a points percentage of .662.

Across the ice you are going to see Andrei Vasilevskiy protecting the goal. Vasilevskiy has compiled a career mark of 366-176-39 and has played in 592 games. Vasilevskiy's quality start percentage sits at 58.8% and he has qualified for 342 quality starting assignments in his pro hockey career. He has tallied 15,988 saves out of 17,442 shots taken against him, which gives him a save % of .917. Opponents are averaging 2.50 goals per game and he has yielded 1,454 goals altogether. He got the starting nod in 582 games and has accumulated 28,748 minutes.

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

Guy's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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