Nikita Kucherov is having another monster season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite all the key injuries around him, he once again sits in the Top 10 in points.
My Blues vs. Lightning predictions are banking on Kucherov continuing to produce in bulk against one of the league’s worst teams at keeping the puck out of the net.
Let’s dig deeper into my NHL picks for Monday, December 22.
Blues vs Lightning prediction
Blues vs Lightning best bet: Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 points (+100)
Nikita Kucherov has taken his game up a notch of late, registering multiple points in nine of his last 15 games and seven of the past nine following a day of rest.
The two Unders in that span came against the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and one of the league’s stingiest teams, the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar has consistently made the most of advantageous matchups, especially when playing on home ice.
He has played five games in Tampa Bay against teams ranked in the Bottom 10 at limiting goals, producing multiple points in four of them, and notching a point and six shots on goal in the lone exception.
The St. Louis Blues rank near the bottom of the league in goals against, save percentage, and penalty-kill percentage.
They are also playing without several of their best players, really thinning out a lineup that wasn’t finding success to begin with.
After a difficult stretch of games against Florida, Los Angeles, and Carolina, this is a great spot for Kucherov to reach his ceiling.
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Blues vs Lightning same-game parlay
Darren Raddysh continues to excel as the Lightning's No. 1 weapon on defense in the absence of Victor Hedman. He has averaged 3.0 shots on 6.4 attempts over 10 home games without the captain in the lineup. The volume should continue to be there against a Blues team that has allowed the fifth-most shots to defensemen over the last 10.
Pavel Buchnevich is being forced into a shooting role with Jordan Kyrou, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Dylan Holloway all out with injuries. Buchnevich has generated multiple shots in three of four games without that trio.
Blues vs Lightning SGP
- Nikita Kucherov Over 1.5 points
- Darren Raddysh Over 2.5 shots on goal
- Pavel Buchnevich Over 1.5 shots on goal
Blues vs Lightning odds
- Moneyline: Blues +190 | Lightning -230
- Puck Line: Blues +1.5 (-130) | Lightning -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Blues vs Lightning trend
Nikita Kucherov has recorded multiple points in three straight against St. Louis. Find more NHL betting trends for Blues vs. Lightning.
How to watch Blues vs Lightning
| Location | Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Midwest, The Spot |
Blues vs Lightning latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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