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Tampa Bay Lightning's Powerplay Sparks but Los Angeles Kings Hold Firm in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Los Angeles Kings at the Benchmark International Arena, resulting in a 2-1 victory for the visitors. The Bolts now stand at 18-13-3, while the Kings improve to 15-10-9.


Dec 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) passes the puck as Los Angeles Kings right wing Alex Laferriere (14) defends during the first period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

First Period


The game commenced with both teams displaying strong defensive strategies. The Lightning managed to break through first with Oliver Bjorkstrand scoring on a powerplay opportunity, assisted by Jake Guentzel and Anthony Cirelli. This early goal set an optimistic tone for the home team as they ended the period leading 1-0.


Second Period


In the second period, momentum shifted towards the Kings. Adrian Kempe of L.A. found his rhythm and netted two goals, turning around what had been a promising start for Tampa Bay. Despite outshooting their opponents with 32 shots overall compared to L.A.'s 20, Tampa struggled to convert opportunities into goals during this critical phase.


Dec 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) skates with the puck as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) defends during the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Third Period


The final period saw both teams locked in a defensive battle as neither side managed to score further goals. Andrei Vasilevskiy stood firm between the pipes for Tampa Bay with an impressive save percentage of 100 percent during even-strength play but was ultimately unable to prevent Kempe’s earlier strikes from deciding the match.


Despite their efforts and maintaining control over faceoffs with a win percentage of 55 percent, it was not enough for Tampa Bay to reclaim dominance on home ice against an equally determined Los Angeles squad.


Dec 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) reacts after he gave up a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

As fans digest this latest encounter through various analyses such as "Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings scoreline review" or "Tampa Bay Lightning vs Los Angeles Kings result analysis," attention now turns towards future challenges ahead.


Looking forward, fans can catch their next game against Carolina Hurricanes scheduled on December 20th at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa at 7:00 PM EST. Tune into ESPN+, The Spot TV network or FDSSO TV network for live coverage of what promises another exciting matchup! Share your thoughts and insights about this game!

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