The Anaheim Ducks are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning for their first home game of 2025, with both teams eager to shift their recent narratives. The matchup will take place on January 5 at the Honda Center, kicking off at 8 p.m. ET.
The Ducks come off a tough 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, where they had their three-game winning streak snapped. During this winning streak, which featured impressive victories against the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets, the Ducks showcased their comeback capabilities, rallying to win multiple times late in games. Right winger Troy Terry has been the engine driving their offense, boasting 13 goals and 18 assists so far this season. "The difference this year is the belief we have in ourselves," he explained, emphasizing the Ducks’ renewed confidence.
On the other hand, the Lightning are struggling, recently suffering their third consecutive defeat following a close loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Tampa Bay fell to the Kings 2-1 on Saturday, and frustration was evident post-game. Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh stated, "It’s frustrating, especially when we felt we controlled parts of the game," hinting at the team's more significant issues with consistency.
Goaltending will be instrumental for both sides. Anaheim’s John Gibson is projected to start, inching closer to his 200th career win, and he is just seven wins shy of tying the franchise record set by Jean-Sébastien Giguère. The Ducks have been rotating their young defensemen, with several players like Pavel Mintyukov and Drew Helleson taking turns as healthy scratches. This might change as they contemplate trading veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin.
Meanwhile, the Lightning will rely on backup Jonas Johansson, who has alternated starts recently amid Andrei Vasilevskiy’s inconsistent form. Johansson's performance will be tested against the Ducks’ aggressive offense this Sunday.
This matchup holds historical significance as well, with the Lightning leading the all-time series against the Ducks 24-14-6. Over the last five seasons, Tampa Bay has dominated Anaheim, securing seven wins from eight meetings. Last year, the Lightning won both encounters decisively, showing their aptitude against the Ducks.
Despite the Lightning’s recent record, their core players, including Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, remain capable of flipping the script. Kucherov, who tops the franchise’s scoring against Anaheim, combined for three points against the Ducks last season. Their offensive prowess increases the stakes for the Ducks, who will look to contain them and keep their focus on solid defensive play.
The Ducks will aim for their first win against the Lightning this season, having struggled to maintain consistency. They managed to follow up their earlier performances with improved play, but the defeat against Edmonton served as a wake-up call.
Fans can expect high intensity as the two teams clash, driven by contrasting motivations for victory. With both squads yearning to break streaks—the Ducks seeking to bounce back and the Lightning aiming to find their footing again—this game promises to be competitive.
The scene at the Honda Center is anticipated to be electric as the Ducks, freshly inspired by their prior successes, take on the Lightning, who are desperate for redemption. The intensity builds as two teams with different objectives meet on the ice, paving the way for what could be one of the most engaging contests of the season.