Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, we take a look at all the games going on around the NHL, giving analysis and our predictions on every game. The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is well underway. Today, our featured game of the day is the Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions: May 22nd Including Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series: Panthers 0-2 Lightning
It should come as no surprise that the Lightning are doing what they always do in the playoffs – win. The surprising aspect about it this time around is that it is at the expense of the Panthers. One of the best offences in NHL history has been held to two goals in two games. For that fact, it is no surprise that the Lightning hold a 2-0 lead in the series.
If the Panthers go down 3-0 in this series, it is game over. With this much to play for, and the fact that they haven’t been held to this low of a scoring rate for this long, it is hard to see Jonathan Huberdeau and the rest of the Panthers held off the stat sheet.
Look for the Panthers to bounce back in their typical fashion and pull a game back in this series.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
Series: Hurricanes 2-0 Rangers
This series is an interesting one, to say the absolute least. These two teams have consistently put out close battles this season, and the first team games of the series were no exception to that. The first game of this series was decided in overtime, and the second was only a two-goal game due to an empty-net goal.
With how defensively sound the Hurricanes have been, and continue to be, and the play of Igor Shesterkin for the Rangers, look for this to be another defensive battle. It would be less than surprising to see another overtime game here.
Prediction: Rangers win 2-1
Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
Series: Flames 1-1 Oilers
For the featured matchup of the day, we have the Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers. To say that this series has been high-scoring would be a gross understatement. It seems that neither team can get consistent goaltending, resulting in 23 goals in the first two games combined. This developing trend is unlikely to stop anytime soon.
For the Oilers, the usual suspects in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have turned out two multi-point games. What is more surprising, and likely a contributing factor to their win in the second game was the continued scoring touch of Zach Hyman. On top of that, Duncan Keith turned back the clock in a vintage performance, potting a goal and adding two assists in 18:25 of ice time.
With the top six of their offence being elite, if the Oilers continue getting depth scoring, this is going to put a lot of pressure on Jacob Markstrom. However, Markstrom put in a solid series against the Dallas Stars, allowing only 11 goals over their seven-game series. The Flames will need similar performances from Markstrom if they are to stand any chance of having their fire put out.
Look for Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau to lead the way to a bounceback win for the Flames.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2
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