Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Philadelphia Flyers vs Tampa Bay Lightning.
NHL Predictions With Philadelphia Flyers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Philadelphia Flyers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-1 Lightning
As Tampa Bay continues their four-game homestand, Philadelphia looks to get revenge after a thrilling shootout loss last week. Unfortunately for the Flyers, the Lightning are firing on all cylinders with only one regulation loss in their last 11 games. Two of the top goalies in Andrei Vasilevskiy and Carter Hart, who are both among the top of the league in goals saved above expected (GSAX), will face off for their respective teams. With Brayden Point out with an injury, the Flyers will have one less player to pay attention to as he was lethal in their first matchup. Philadelphia has struggled to create any quality offense as their season has developed. Meanwhile in Florida, Tampa has managed to create offence in the high danger areas leading them to be 10th in the NHL in goals for. Jon Cooper should direct his team to take advantage of the Flyers second pairing consisting of Travis Sanheim and Rasmus Ristolainen who allow tons of chances and quality against per game. This should be one of the most exciting games on the docket.
Tampa Bay wins 4-2
Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-0 Stars
The Oilers have been undoubtedly one of the most exciting and best teams in the league all season. With a killer powerplay and top penalty kill the Edmonton Oilers are the definition of the recipe for success. Leon Draisitl and Connor McDavid are undoubtedly the best duo in the league with a combined 68 points. The Oilers aren’t a shot-heavy team but the shots they do take are top quality. On the other side of that, they do allow more shots against and the shots are frequently of high quality. Although their offense is top tier, their defense is very bad. When each of your three pairings include at least one guy who is atrocious defensively, this is bound to happen. Edmonton allows tons of high-quality net-front chances against but luckily have had solid goaltending throughout the season. Dallas has been extremely underwhelming since their cup run and that has continued this season. Their defence has been top of the entire league, but if you can’t generate chances that lead to goals you aren’t going to get anywhere. Edmonton’s powerhouse offence should have no problem blowing out the Stars in Texas.
Edmonton wins 5-2
[pickup_prop id=”9612″]
Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Flames
Since firing head coach Jeremy Colliton the Blackhawks have managed to be a decent hockey team winning five of their last six. At the other end of the rink we have the Calgary Flames and Darryl Sutter. How may we describe them? Powerhouse. This team has completely turned their team around since the hiring of their head coach last season. Offensively they are lethal and they have one of the most underrated goalie tandems in the league. With early Vezina trophy contender Jacob Markstrom in net, the sky’s the limit for the flames. Rising star and potential long lister on Team Canada, Andrew Mangiapane has absolutely shocked the hockey world with his place. Not the analytics world but the hockey world. The Toronto native is in the race for the Rocket Richard beside who you saw? Alex Ovechkin and Leon Draisitl. The Flames have been great defensively at clogging up the middle of the ice suppressing quality chances net front. The Flames will look to pounce on the heated-up Blackhawks but fans shouldn’t be too worried about tuning into this likely boring game.
Calgary wins 4-2
Main Photo:
