Chicago Blackhawks vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Prediction for Thursday November 5, 2026

The Chicago Blackhawks will be on the road for a matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning inside Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay comes into Thursday night 9-3-2 on the year, having won two of the last three after a two-goal victory against Detroit in their last outing. Tampa Bay is a huge -410 favorite Thursday night.  Chicago is a +320, and the total is 6.5. Stay in the action with our NHL Picks.

Chicago is desperate to get on track 

The Chicago Blackhawks offense is averaging 2.20 goals on 23.1 shots per game. Defensively, Chicago is allowing 3.87 goals on 30.3 shots per game this season. Connor Bedard is leading the Chicago offense this season with 10 points. Patrick Kane is second on the roster with nine points, and he leads the team with eight assists. Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov are both tied for third on the roster with eight points thus far this season, and Kantserov leads the team with six goals scored.

Spencer Knight had issues between the pipes for Chicago in their last outing, giving up four goals on 29 shots to post a .862 save percentage in just over 59 minutes of game time. Frank Nazar led the Chicago offense Wednesday night with two goals on three shots in just over 17 minutes. Roman Kantserov chipped into the Chicago offense with one goal on three shots.

Key Injury Report for Chicago:

• Bowen Byram (IR) - Nov 7
• Patrick Kane (Out) - Nov 12

Tampa Bay looks to stay hot

The Tampa Bay Lightning offense has been solid all season, averaging 3.69 goals on 24.9 shots per game. Defensively, Tampa Bay has held their own, allowing 3.23 goals on 24.9 shots per game, and they've given up six total goals across their last two wins. Nikita Kucherov is leading Tampa Bay this season with 20 points and 16 assists. Brandon Hagel is the second-leading scorer with 16 points, and he leads the team with eight goals. Jake Guentzel is third on the roster with 14 points, and Brayden Point is fourth on the team with 13 points this season.

Andrei Vasilevskiy did just enough in the net last time out for Tampa Bay, giving up two goals on 21 shots to post a .905 save percentage in 60 minutes. Brayden Point led the offense with two goals on four shots in just over 18 minutes. Anthony Cirelli and Ryan McDonagh chipped in as well with one goal each. Nikita Kucherov anchored the scoring with two assists in just under 22 minutes.

Key Injury Report for Tampa Bay:

• Zemgus Girgensons (Out) - Nov 5
• Yanni Gourde (IR-NR) - Dec 2

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Prediction

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5

Tampa Bay has the offensive firepower and experience necessary to take control of this matchup against Chicago. Nikita Kucherov gives the Lightning an elite playmaker capable of creating scoring opportunities throughout the game, while Brayden Point provides another dangerous scoring option. Chicago has the talent to create problems offensively, especially with Connor Bedard leading the charge, but the Blackhawks could struggle to contain Tampa Bay's depth over three periods. Look for the Lightning to establish control on home ice and do enough offensively to pick up the victory.

Total Pick: Over 6.5

Both teams have enough offensive talent to push this game toward a higher-scoring result. Tampa Bay should generate plenty of scoring chances against a Chicago defense that can struggle with sustained pressure, while the Blackhawks have the speed and skill to capitalize on opportunities of their own. Bedard gives Chicago a dangerous offensive weapon capable of creating chances even when the team struggles to maintain possession. Expect Tampa Bay to lead the scoring, with Chicago contributing enough offense to help push this game over the total.

Final Picks: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 and Over 6.5 

Game Written Before Completion of the Game on Wednesday