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 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions: March 12th Including Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers
Anaheim Ducks vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Ducks 1-0 Devils
With all due respect to both teams in this one, this is going to be a largely overlooked game. Neither of these teams have been particularly great this season, with the goaltending being a particularly contentious point. The situation in net for the Devils is less than ideal, and for the Ducks, John Gibson has been in a massive slump. If either team can get halfway decent goaltending, expect for them to come out on top.
Prediction: Ducks win 4-2
Detroit Red Wings vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-1 Flames
This is likely the most straightforward prediction of the day. The Red Wings look to be heading in a promising direction as an organization but are still quite a bit of time away from being a serious contender again. As for the Flames, they have been absolutely red hot as of late. They have been riding fantastic performances from Jacob Markstrom, and Johnny Gaudreau has been particularly good in the last five games, and the entire season as well.
Prediction: Flames win 5-1
New York Rangers vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-1 Dallas
Dallas has been one of the surprise teams of the season, largely due to the fact that Jake Oettinger has been mostly good and they have gotten great depth in scoring, including some stellar performances from Jason Robertson. For New York, they have been okay recently, but their goaltending has had some not-so-great performances in the last week or so. Look for the Stars to capitalize on any mistakes the Rangers make.
Prediction: Stars win 3-1
Los Angeles Kings vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-2 Sharks
Surprisingly enough for how these two teams currently stand, the Sharks have won the previous two meetings. The Kings, however, have been playing extremely well recently and are currently sitting comfortably in a playoff position. If the Kings can score a few goals, look for their top-10 defence to confirm the win for them.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-0 Oilers
For the featured matchup of the evening, we have the Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers. These two teams have already met once this season with the Lightning coming out with a 5-3 win back on February 23rd. This was during a stretch of atrocious goaltending for the Oilers, so the result might not be as high scoring as the first meeting.
Tampa will be looking to get an improved performance from netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has not been good in his previous few starts. If the Lightning can slow down Connor McDavid, Evander Kane, and Leon Draisaitl even remotely, look for Vasilevskiy to come good on improved performance.
Prediction: Lighting win 3-2
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