Seattle Kraken vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 15, 2026

The Seattle Kraken (5-2-0) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (4-2-0) on Thursday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The opening faceoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN+. Seattle sits third in the Pacific Division after defeating Philadelphia 3-2 in a shootout, extending its winning streak to three games. Tampa Bay sits third in the Atlantic Division following a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers, which ended a four-game winning streak. Build your bankroll with our free NHL picks.

Seattle Kraken Bring Three-Game Winning Streak to Tampa

Seattle has won three straight games against Detroit, Washington, and Philadelphia, scoring 14 goals during that stretch. The Kraken defeated Detroit 6-3 and Washington 5-3 before earning a 3-2 shootout victory over the Flyers. Seattle averages 4.00 goals per game while allowing 2.71. The Kraken generate 26.9 shots per contest and convert 14.9% of their shots into goals. Seattle has also scored five power-play goals, converting 22.7% of its opportunities.

Jared McCann tied for the lead for Seattle with seven points on two goals and five assists, while Chandler Stephenson also has seven points, with one goal and six assists. Frederick Gaudreau leads the team with four goals, and Jordan Eberle has added three goals and three assists. Joey Daccord has recorded three wins with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. Philipp Grubauer has two victories, a 2.35 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage. Seattle has won four of its five road games.

Injuries: Jacob Melanson (RW, injured reserve); Ryan Lindgren (D, injured reserve); Jake O'Brien (C, injured reserve).

Tampa Bay Lightning Look to Rebound at Home

Tampa Bay enters Thursday following a 4-1 road loss to the Rangers. Before that defeat, the Lightning had won four consecutive games against Washington, Philadelphia, Minnesota, and the New York Islanders. Tampa Bay defeated Washington 3-1, Philadelphia 4-1, Minnesota 3-2, and New York 5-3. The Lightning average 2.83 goals per game while allowing 2.67. Tampa Bay generates 29.5 shots per game and allows just 23.8, giving the Lightning a positive shot differential despite their lower scoring average.

Brandon Hagel is tied for the points lead for Tampa Bay with four goals and eight points, while Nikita Kucherov also has eight points on one goal and seven assists. Jake Guentzel has contributed three goals and three assists, and John Carlson has added two goals and two assists. Andrei Vasilevskiy has three victories with a 2.46 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage. Tampa Bay has won all three home games this season. However, the Lightning have converted only 8.3% of their power-play opportunities, scoring just twice with the man advantage.

Injuries: Dennis Hildeby (G, out); Yanni Gourde (C, injured reserve).

Key to the Game

Seattle's scoring production faces a Tampa Bay defense allowing just 23.8 shots per game. The Kraken average four goals per contest despite generating only 26.9 shots, while Tampa Bay has allowed 2.67 goals per game. Special teams also differ significantly. Seattle converts 22.7% of its power plays compared with Tampa Bay's 8.3%, although the Lightning have a slightly stronger penalty kill at 80.0%. Goaltending will also matter, with Seattle's Daccord and Grubauer both carrying save percentages above .910.

Seattle Kraken vs Tampa Bay Lightning Game Pick

• Seattle Kraken 

Seattle enters Thursday with three consecutive victories and four wins in five road games. The Kraken average four goals per contest, compared with Tampa Bay's 2.83. McCann and Stephenson have seven points each, while Gaudreau has scored four goals. Seattle also holds a clear advantage on the power play, converting 22.7% of opportunities against Tampa Bay's 8.3%. The Lightning remain unbeaten at home, but Seattle's scoring depth and stronger goaltending percentages provide the advantage. The Kraken will extend their winning streak with another road victory on Thursday.

Seattle Kraken vs Tampa Bay Lightning Over/Under Pick

• Over 

Seattle averages four goals per game and has scored at least five goals in three of its last five contests. Tampa Bay averages 2.83 goals while allowing 2.67, and the Lightning have scored at least three goals in four of their six games. McCann, Gaudreau, Hagel, and Kucherov provide scoring threats on both sides. Seattle's 22.7% power-play conversion rate adds another opportunity for goals. With the Kraken producing consistent offense and Tampa Bay returning home, the matchup will finish over 5.5 goals on Thursday.