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 Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-1 Lightning
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the struggling Lightning taking on a strong Hurricanes team. Tampa Bay has surprisingly lost four straight games and looked awful against the Buffalo Sabres. Things got so bad that Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov were bench for the third period by Jon Cooper. Andrei Vasilevskiy will get the start as Brian Elliott got the nod against Buffalo the day before. Despite their struggles, the Lightning can score when they get going. Tampa is fourth in goals scored and second on the power play.
Carolina may go with Frederik Andersen, but always check online before setting your fantasy lineup. The Hurricanes have won three of their last five games to give itself the lead in the Metropolitan Division. Carolina may not have done much at the trade deadline, but they’re still a solid shout to win the Stanley Cup. Carolina is on when they score goal as its scored at least four in the last three victories.
Tampa Bay has been known to fight through adversity and the losing has to stop sometime. Going out on a limb, but an upset happens here.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Golden Knights
The second game of NHL Predictions has the Montreal Canadiens taking on the Vegas Golden Knights. Jake Allen is likely to get the call in between the pipes for the Habs. Montreal has lost three of its last five, but the team has been dealing with plenty of injuries. The Canadiens haven’t scored more than four goals in any of their last four games. Offence has been an issue for a while as the long-injured Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 26.
Jonathan Quick is the confirmed starter in net for Golden Knights. Vegas has won three of its last five games to get itself to one point of the Western Conference top seed. However, the Golden Knights are also tied with the Los Angeles Kings atop the Pacific Division. Vegas seems to have settled its goalie question for now with Logan Thompson still out.
Vegas needs all the points it can get to chase down the Dallas Stars and hold off Los Angeles. Montreal will give it a go, but expect a win for the home team.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-t0-Head: Red Wings 0-1 Flyers
The last game of NHL Predictions features the Detroit Red Wings travelling to the Philadelphia Flyers. Alex Nedeljkovic is the probable starter with the Red Wings having lost five straight games. Detroit is six points off the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and need wins in a hurry.
Carter Hart will likely get the start for the Flyers, who are 8-1-1 in their last 10 home games versus the Wings. Philadelphia has lost its last four and have punted on the season. One awkward thing could be James van Riemsdyk facing a team he was going to be traded to. However, the deal fell apart at the last minute.
This game is tough to call, but Philadelphia has looked better the last few games.
Prediction; Flyers win 3-2.
Main photo by: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
