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 Ottawa Senators vs the Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out our other two sets of predictions for Saturday’s games.
NHL Predictions: Ottawa Senators vs Florida Panthers
New York Rangers vs Dallas Stars
Head to Head: Rangers 0-0 Stars
The New York Rangers have struggled after a nice start and goal-scoring is a reason why. New York’s vaunted offence is 20th in the league with 22 goals score heading into Friday’s games. Artemi Panarin has been playing well, but there needs to be contributions from other players in the lineup. Igor Shesterkin going into God mode is not a sustainable model or a good recipe for success.
The Dallas Stars have played well under new coach Peter DeBoer and one reason is goalie Jake Oettinger. His rose up the depth chart from last season has been fantastic and he has a 1.17 goals-against-average and .960 save percentage. Roope Hintz is looking for that next big contract and already has six assists this season.
It should be a good goalie battle and the under might be a smart play depending on the number. The Blueshirts seem desperate and will scratch out a close win.
Predictions Rangers win 3-2.
Ottawa Senators vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-0 Panthers
The Tkachuk family jamboree is today and both brothers Brady Tkachuk and Matthew Tkachuk have 10 points so far this season. Ottawa’s four-game winning streak was snapped in a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. However, the Sens have been scoring goals in bunches as they’re sixth in goals-for with 27. Ottawa’s shooting percentage has also been outstanding at .116 heading into Friday. Shane Pinto has been off to a hot start with five goals this season.
Panthers blank Senators 4-0 to snap Ottawa’s four-game winning streak https://t.co/5svRXraQzi pic.twitter.com/gTGmYJa8F1
— Globe Sports (@Globe_Sports) April 29, 2022
Florida has lost two straight and is still trying to adapt to life without Aaron Ekblad. The Panthers do have a negative goal differential so far this season, but it’s early. Sergei Bobrovsky‘s numbers don’t look the greatest, but he’s capable of a bounce-back game where he can shut down the opposition. Matthew Tkachuk has adjusted well to life in the Sunshine State with six goals already this season.
It’s a tough game to call as both have similar stats and looks to them. Florida gets a close one at home. It may also be worth a play to see the brothers Tkachuk get into a scrap with each other.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-0 Sharks
The Tampa Bay Lightning has settled down after a shaky start to the 2022-23 campaign. Steven Stamkos continues to play well as the captain has made it happen with seven goals to lead the team. The Lightning’s vaunted power play is also clicking once again at 25 percent so far this season. Tampa Bay is also getting contributions from Nikita Kucherov, who has eight assists so far.
San Jose was slated to be in the race for Connor Bedard, but it has a couple of impressive wins over the Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s always going to be a period of adjustment under new coach David Quinn, but there have been some flashes of brilliance. Erik Karlsson is starting to play like his old self again with four goals and five assists.
The Sharks are starting to play better, but the Lightning is starting to find form despite the early-season injuries.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-1.
