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Looking for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings Free NHL predictions? NHL betting sees the Lightning taking on the Red Wings on 10/17 at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL hockey matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL predictions like this Lightning Red Wings free pick.
(1-3) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings (3-1)
Date: Oct 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI
NHL Moneyline Odds: Lightning -153 | Red Wings +129 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NHL Puck Line Betting Odds: Lightning -1.5 | Red Wings +1.5
NHL Hockey Gambling Total: O/U: 6
As the NHL regular season gains momentum, the Tampa Bay Lightning travel north to take on the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.
Tampa Bay enters at 1-3-1, while Detroit has stormed out to a 3-1-0 start.
Under head coach Jon Cooper, the Lightning find themselves sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division.
Their lone victory came against the Boston Bruins, surrounded by losses to the Capitals and Devils. The offense has been streaky, and the goaltending hasn’t quite found its rhythm yet.
Meanwhile, Todd McLellan’s Red Wings have flipped the early script, ranking second in the Atlantic and third in the Eastern Conference.
They’ve built momentum with quality wins over Florida and Toronto, looking more balanced and confident each night out.
Last season, these two split their meetings, with Detroit narrowly outscoring Tampa Bay overall.
Given the Red Wings’ surge and the Lightning’s uneven form, this matchup has the makings of an early-season measuring stick for both clubs.
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2025 NHL Hockey Handicapping
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The books still respect Tampa Bay’s pedigree — they open as -153 favorites on the moneyline. Detroit checks in at +129, while the puck line shows the Lightning -1.5 (+157) and Red Wings +1.5 (-195).
The total sits at 6 goals, suggesting expectations of offensive sparks from both sides.
Recent form paints a different picture. Tampa Bay has dropped four of its last five, with only one narrow win to show for it. Losses to Washington and New Jersey exposed defensive gaps, particularly late in games.
That’s a concerning sign for a team used to closing strong.
Detroit, on the other hand, has won three of its last four, punctuated by a convincing 4-1 win over the Panthers. Their structure, pace, and goaltending have all clicked early.
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With confidence riding high, the Wings look eager to defend home ice.
Detroit’s fast start is no fluke. Three wins in four games, capped by that dominant effort against Florida, show this team’s blend of grit and execution.
Offensively, Mason Appleton has been a pleasant surprise with three goals through four games.
Alex DeBrincat leads the way in assists with six, driving puck movement and playmaking, while captain Dylan Larkin has contributed two goals and three helpers — steady as ever.
On the blue line, Emmitt Finnie’s 11 hits add a dose of edge, keeping opponents honest. Between the pipes, veteran Cam Talbot has been sharp, winning three of four starts while stopping 82 shots and allowing just six goals.
With balanced scoring and strong goaltending, Detroit has quietly become one of the East’s early-season stories.
If they keep playing with this discipline, they’ll keep cashing as underdogs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning haven’t looked like their usual polished selves early on. They’ve managed just one win — a 3-2 squeaker over Boston — while dropping games to Washington and New Jersey.
Still, there are bright spots buried beneath the slow start.
Brayden Point remains a difference-maker, logging two goals and three assists through five games. Jake Guentzel has matched his pace with a goal and four assists, and their chemistry gives the Bolts a dangerous top line when the attack clicks.
Defensively, Victor Hedman continues to anchor the back end with 11 blocks in four games. Anthony Cirelli adds toughness with seven hits, setting the tone physically even when the scoreboard hasn’t tilted Tampa’s way.
Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been busy — 80 saves across three starts — but 12 goals allowed highlight the defensive lapses in front of him.
Backup Jonas Johansson stopped 30 of 33 shots in his lone start, giving the Lightning some stability in relief.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings bottom line: The Red Wings are the hotter, hungrier team, and with Talbot locked in, they’ve got the edge.
Here is my Lightning Red Wings free pick. The Detroit Red Wings are buzzing right now, riding a hot streak that’s seen them win four of their last five contests.
They’re not just winning—they’re doing it convincingly, covering the spread in all four victories while finding the back of the net at least three times in each.
That kind of consistency on offense speaks volumes about their chemistry and confidence.
Conversely, the Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be stuck in neutral, with only one win in their last five outings. Their once-formidable defense has sprung leaks, surrendering four or more goals in four of those games. While Tampa’s firepower is still there on paper, their inability to close gaps defensively has cost them dearly.
Given Detroit’s current form and Tampa’s defensive woes, it’s hard to ignore the value on the home side tonight.
Additionally, the Red Wings have looked sharp at Little Caesars Arena, feeding off their home crowd energy and executing with poise. With their offense rolling and the Lightning reeling, Detroit has a prime opportunity to keep its momentum going.
Taking the Red Wings on the moneyline at +129 feels like the right play here.
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