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 Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
NHL Predictions: Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Ottawa Senators vs Nashville Predators
Head to Head: Senators 0-0 Predators
The Ottawa Senators continue their road trip as they head down to Music City to take on the Nashville Predators. Ottawa is coming off of a loss, whereas the Predators are coming off of a tough loss.
This game has some serious fire punch up front. Ottawa has some of the most talents in the game with captain Brady Tkachuk leading the charge. The team has five forwards with 20+ points. The offensive charge for Nashville isn’t as stout as it was last year. Paving the way is Filip Forsberg, as he is always a treat to watch.
The biggest kicker is in goal. That category goes to Nashville and it’s not close. Juuse Saros is starting to round into form. He is 3-1-1 in his last five games and has a 2.4 gsax. His counterpart Kevin Lankinen has been just as successful, posting a 1.95 GAA in his last four starts. Ottawa is in the middle of the pack in goaltending.
Prediction: Predators defeat Senators 3-2
Detroit Red Wings vs Dallas Stars
Head to Head: Red Wings 0-0 Stars
Tonight’s matchup on the NHL Predictions has the making of being a good game. The Dallas Stars host the Detroit Red Wings. Entering play tonight, Dallas is tied with Winnipeg for the Central Division crown, whereas the Red Wings hold a playoff spot in a competitive Atlantic Division.
The forward groups are talented on both sides. Jason Robertson is having an MVP calibre campaign, and his counterpart in Roope Hintz is right behind him. What’s awesome to see is Dominik Kubalik. Last season he had a total of 32 points, whereas this year he has 25. He leads the team in goals and is second in points behind Dylan Larkin.
Dallas is the second-highest-scoring team in all situations, and that offence could be hard to contain.
Prediction: Stars defeat Red Wings 5-2
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head to Head: Panthers 0-0 Lightning
Tonight’s featured matchup is The Battle Of Florida. The Florida Panthers head down the freeway to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both teams are separated by three points and every point matters in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division.
There is so much highlight-reel talent in this game, on top of the rivalry set in place. Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point highlight an impressive forward group. On the back end, it’s stout with Victor Hedman and Aaron Ekblad.
Aside from the talent and depth up and down each other’s lineup, the real battle comes in the crease. Andrei Vasilevskiy is a world-class goaltender. Even though his numbers appear down from last season, it’s still Vasilevskiy. His 6.3 gsax ranks 10th among all goalies. For the Panthers it’s not Sergei Bobrovsky to worry about, it’s Spencer Knight. He has been very good and playing better than Bobrovsky. Knight has a 2.64 GAA, and a .919 save percentage.
Florida is one of the best-scoring teams at even strength. But the kicker will be with the man advantage. Tampa Bay has the fourth-best power play and has scored 23 goals with the man advantage. Florida’s penalty kill is middle of the pack and the goal should be to stay out of the box. Tampa Bay has the edge with goaltending.
Predictions: Lightning defeat Panthers 5-3
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
