Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction, 2/26/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Location: PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC

TV: Fanduel Sports Network

The Tampa Bay Lightning (37-14-4) are en route to PNC Arena on Thursday where they will play the Carolina Hurricanes (36-15-6).

The Tampa Bay Lightning had a good night with a 6-1 victory over the Panthers their last time on the ice. The Lightning had a solid offensive outing in the win. For the matchup, they tallied a score on 6 of the 28 shots they put on goal. Moreover, they had 4 power play tries and were able to net 1 goal. Tampa Bay earned 91 mins in the box for this matchup.

When playing at even strength, the Lightning have allowed the opponent to score 110 goals while notching 156 as an offensive unit. Tampa Bay Lightning opponents have earned 174 power play opportunities (9th in the NHL) and have tallied 28 goals in those attempts. In reference to their goal scoring prowess, the Tampa Bay Lightning have accumulated 195 goals (4th in the National Hockey League) on the year and have given up 138. Tampa Bay has tried 1,548 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 12.6%. For the current campaign, they have recorded 78 points and their points % is .709. The Lightning have seen 1,449 shots tried against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .905. Tampa Bay comes into the game with 174 power play chances and they have scored 39 goals out of those attempts, giving them a percentage of 22.41%.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be Jonas Johansson. Johansson has participated in 99 games during his NHL career. He has compiled an overall record of 42-33-13 and he started in 88 games. The opposition has racked up 293 goals against Johansson in his NHL career and his average for goals against per game is 3.33. Johansson has seen 2,657 shots taken against him and has recorded 2,364 total saves. His save percentage sits at .890 during his 4,285 minutes guarding the cage. For his career, Johansson has compiled 39 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .443.

Their last time out, Carolina played the Rangers in a game where the Hurricanes notched a win by a tally of 2-0. They had 3 power play attempts in this one but weren't able to put one in the back of the net. The Hurricanes recorded 2 goals of the 43 shots on goal they took.

Carolina has attempted 1,819 shots (2nd in hockey) and has accumulated a shooting percentage of 10.61%, while allowing their opponents 1,388 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill percentage of 80.63% on their oppositions 160 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is 88.5%. They have earned 176 power play chances and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 21.59%. The Hurricanes have accumulated 155 goals at even strength and 38 goals (11th in the league) while on the power play. They have permitted 160 goals to be scored by way of 129 goals at even strength and 31 goals while they had less men on the ice. On the season, the Carolina Hurricanes have earned 193 goals, 78 points, as well as a points percentage of .684.

Across the ice you will find Brandon Bussi in goal. The opposition is averaging 2.19 goals per contest and he has relinquished 59 goals in total. Bussi's rate of quality starts comes in at 63.0% and he has qualified for 17 quality starting assignments in his professional career. He has started in 27 games and has played 68 mins. Bussi has accumulated a career record of 23-3-1 and has played in 27 games. He has recorded 571 stops out of 630 shots attempted against him, which gives him a save % of .906.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Carolina

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here