With Victor Hedman and others injured, Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh has taken it upon himself to do more of the heavy lifting. That continues tonight against the visiting Panthers.
Dec 15, 2025 • 10:57 ET
• 3 min read
Photo By – Imagn Images. Lightning D Darren Raddysh (43) rips a shot on net.
With 23 points through 26 games, Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner Darren Raddysh is on pace to shatter previous career highs.
Playing an expanded role without Victor Hedman and half of the team’s defense core, my Panthers vs. Lightning predictions see Raddysh remaining productive in a better matchup than meets the eye.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Monday, December 15.
Panthers vs Lightning prediction
Panthers vs Lightning best bet: Darren Raddysh Over 0.5 points (-115)
The Tampa Bay Lightning are dealing with a cluster of injuries on defense. Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak, and, most notably, Victor Hedman are sidelined, leaving a lot of extra responsibility on Darren Raddysh‘s plate.
He has played on the top pairing at even-strength and taken over as the quarterback of the No. 1 power play in place of Hedman. He’s made the most of the opportunity.
Raddysh produced at least one point in 10 of the last 13 without Hedman. He has piled up 18 points in that span and put forth more multi-point efforts (five) than pointless performances (three) along the way. He is playing incredible hockey.
Over the last 10 games, the Lightning rank Top-7 in generating shots and expected goals at 5-on-5 as well as on the power play.
All of the star forwards are back healthy and Raddysh is most responsible for getting them the puck. Clearly, he’s doing a good job.
With the Panthers playing a very high-event brand of hockey, struggling to defend at 5-on-5, and taking a healthy chunk of penalties, this is a good matchup for Raddysh to build on his recent success.
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Panthers vs Lightning same-game parlay
Jon Cooper has stacked the top line and reunited Jake Guentzel with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov. Guentzel couldn’t ask for better linemates and has piled up the assists when rested, picking up at least one helper in five of his last seven following an off day.
Anton Lundell has averaged 3.1 shots on goal per game over his last 10 after a rest day. With the Lightning missing half of their regular defense core, the volume should continue to be there for Lundell on Monday night.
Panthers vs Lightning SGP
Darren Raddysh Over 0.5 points
Jake Guentzel Over 0.5 assists
Anton Lundell Over 1.5 shots on goal
Panthers vs Lightning odds
Moneyline: Panthers +125| Lightning -145
Puck Line: Panthers +1.5 (-200) | Lightning -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)
Panthers vs Lightning trend
Darren Raddysh has 11 points over his last six games without Victor Hedman dressed. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Lightning.
How to watch Panthers vs Lightning
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Monday, December 15, 2025
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
The Spot, SCRIPPS
Panthers 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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