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 Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes.
NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Rangers
Head to Head: Blue Jackets 1-1 Rangers
Our first game on the NHL Predictions is a Metropolitan Division showdown. The lowly Columbus Blue Jackets take on the New York Rangers. Columbus is playing for Connor Bedard, whereas the Rangers are battling for playoff seeding.
The Rangers have enjoyed the month of March. Mika Zibanejad has had a fantastic month and is on a hot streak. Not to mention, the Rangers are 6-1 in their last seven and everything is clicking on all cylinders. The injury bug continues to plague Columbus as Patrik Laine is out for the next 2-4 weeks. It will be tough to get the two points against a red-hot Rangers team.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Blue Jackets 5-2
Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head to Head: Canadiens 2-0 Flyers
Our next game on our NHL Predictions is between two non playoff teams. The Montreal Canadiens take on the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams are well out of playoff position.
Montreal may not be the best team, but they compete as hard as their coach did. Even during their recent eight-game losing skid, five of those games were one-goal losses. The team is riding high on an 8-2 whipping of the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’ll enter the second of a back-to-back set.
Their opponent has won three games in a row. Carter Hart is a big reason why. He is 4-1 in his mast five starts with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. It’ll be a tough test for Montreal.
Prediction: Canadiens defeat Flyers 4-3
Nashville Predators vs Boston Bruins
Head to Head: Predators 0-1 Bruins
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a rematch from earlier in the year. The Nashville Predators take on the Boston Bruins. Boston is riding a seven game winning streak, but has come at a price.
This will be a time of rest for the Bruins. They’ve done so already as they have the division and playoffs locked up. However, Hampus Lindholm and Brad Marchand have battled injuries and sat out against Carolina Sunday. At this point, it’s rest and gear up for round one.
Nashville is way out of the playoff race and will look to play spoiler down the stretch.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Predators 4-3
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings
Head to Head: Penguins 0-1 Red Wings
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is an eastern conference showdown. The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Detroit Red Wings. Detroit has fallen out of the race, but these two points mean a lot to Pittsburgh.
After losing four in a row, they’ve managed to go 2-1 in their last three. In addition, those were against playoff-quality teams. They currently occupy the second wild-card spot. They’ll need Tristan Jarry to gear up for a long run as his struggles continue.
Prediction: Penguins defeat Red Wings 4-2
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Lightning 0-2 Hurricanes
Our featured game on the NHL Predictions is an eastern conference showdown. The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Carolina Hurricanes. This is a good rematch from earlier in the month.
The match from earlier in the month was a lopsided affair. Carolina waxed Tampa Bay in convincing fashion and limited their shot totals. Things have changed since then. Andrei Svechnikov is out for the season, and Tampa Bay is playing better. The team was on a three-game win streak before dropping their last four games. In addition, they have yet to score more than two goals in their last four games. Carolina is 3-1-1 in their last five and is coming off a shootout loss to the Boston Bruins. Their gauntlet of a schedule continues as they aim to capture the division title.
Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Lightning 4-3
Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
