Tampa Bay Lightning vs Dallas Stars Betting Trends

The upcoming NHL showdown on January 18, 2026, features the Tampa Bay Lightning visiting the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. This exciting game, part of the 2025-26 NHL season, is a must-watch for hockey fans and bettors alike. The match will be broadcast on NHL Network, ESPN+, Victory+, and The Spot, offering multiple viewing options.

Dallas Stars, with a slightly lower powerplay percentage (5.85%) compared to Tampa Bay's 6.13%, show strong defensive capabilities with 15.31 blocked shots per game versus Tampa's 12.7. The Stars maintain a 51.5% faceoff win rate, edging out Tampa's 46.3%, which could influence puck possession. Tampa Bay's penalty kill and 5-on-5 percentages are competitive, with a slight edge in power plays (3.2 vs. 2.9 for Dallas), indicating potential scoring opportunities.

Both teams have been active recently; Dallas lost two of their last five games while Tampa Bay holds a more favorable recent record. The starting goalies are expected to be Dallas' goalie, who has shown consistent saves, and Tampa Bay's likely starter, who is questionable but expected to play. The odds favor Tampa Bay at -110 moneyline, with Dallas at -104, and the puck line set at Tampa Bay -1.5 (+230) and Dallas +1.5 (-280). The total points line is set at 6, with the over favored at -108.

Considering the teams' competitive stats and recent performances, this game presents intriguing betting trends. The Stars have struggled against the spread at home, while Tampa Bay performs well on the road. The last matchup on October 30, 2025, saw Tampa Bay edge Dallas 2-1 in a close contest, which you can review for more context here. Utilize these betting insights and trends to make an informed wager through trusted sportsbooks like BetOnline.