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 between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out our earlier NHL Predictions for Tuesday.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Ottawa Senators
Head-t0-Head: Red Wings 1-1 Senators
Our first game of NHL Predictions is an Atlantic Division battle between the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators. The two teams are playing rare two-game regular season series. Detroit has won three of its last five games coming into Monday’s action, but got blanked, 3-0, by Tampa Bay the last time out. Team captain Dylan Larkin leads the way in goals with 22 and assists with 35. Ville Husso is the confirmed starter after Magnus Hellberg started the night before. The Wings are in a logjam with teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild card spot in the East.
Ottawa is coming into the game with losses in three of the last five, but did beat the Montreal Canadiens the last time out. Mads Sogaard should get the start with Cam Talbot going the night before. However, check social media before making any decisions about your fantasy lineup. The Senators special teams are outstanding with them being fifth on the power play and eighth on the penalty kill.
It’s always hard to gauge how teams will do on a back-to-back. Especially, in such a unique circumstance as this. However, Detroit should pick up two key points.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-2.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-2 Lightning
Our featured game of NHL predictions is a battle of two Sunshine State foes. Tampa Bay won the first two meetings of the season, but Florida rolled to a 7-1 rout last time out. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the likely starter in goal for the Lightning. Tampa Bay has been making moves prior to the deadline by getting Tanner Jeannot from the Nashville Predators. The Lightning have been leaking goals in their losses and may try to shore up their blueline. The Lightning are fourth in goals scored and second on the power play. Brayden Point leads in goals with 36 while Nikita Kucherov has 62 assists to lead the club.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the probable starter in goal for the Panthers. Florida is trying to stay within striking distance of the second wild card spot along with Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Washington and others. However, the Panthers have lost three of their last five. Florida is fifth in goals scored, but 26th in goals allowed. Carter Verhaeghe is the team leader in goals with 31 and Matthew Tkachuk has reached the 50-assist mark.
Rivarly games are always tough to tell, but the Lightning should win a high-scoring game.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-4.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-1 Sabres
The Columbus Blue Jackets have lost three of their last five, but have been playing better. Elvis Merzlikins is listed as the current starter according to the Daily Faceoff. The Jackets are 30th in goals for, goals against and power-play success rate. Columbus could be a team that makes a few moves at the deadline in order to get more assets.
The Buffalo Sabres beat Columbus, 9-4, in the first meeting of the season. Tage Thompson reached the 40-goal mark when the Sabres topped the Panthers, 3-1. Buffalo has won four of its last five games as it wants to play meaningful hockey in March. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen should get the call in goal, but Craig Anderson has also played well.
The Sabres are on a mission and should scratch out a win.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-1.
Main photo by: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
