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 Ottawa Senators. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-0 Senators
TV: NHL Network; Bally Sports Sunshine; TSN5; 7 p.m.
Our featured game of NHL Predictions has the Lightning coming off a wild 6-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in the Steve Yzerman Bowl. Steven Stamkos scored twice, but it wasn’t enough to cancel out Alex DeBrincat‘s two goals. Young Matt Tomkins may get the call in goal with Tampa playing back-to-back games. The inexperience in net could be coming to rear its ugly head for the Lightning.
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The Senators welcomed home Daniel Alfredsson with a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Brady Tkachuk and Jakob Chychrun both scored twice to help Ottawa win. Anton Forsberg collected the win in goal for the Senators. This means that Joonas Korpisalo will be the goalie after coach D.J. Smith went with Forsberg in Saturday’s game. The last game was more of what Ottawa fans have been wanting from their club the last couple of seasons.
Tampa is reeling and you can never count the team out. However, an unknown goalie against a good Ottawa team could spell a second straight Senators win.
Prediction: Senators win 5-3.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports Southern Calif; BS San Diego; BS Carolina; 8:30 p.m.
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Carolina Hurricanes looking to start the season 3-0. The Canes got a wild 6-5 shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings the night before. Sebastian Aho got a goal and an assist for Carolina. This game may see the season-debut of Antti Raanta in between the pipes. Carolina knows it may have to tighten a couple of things up on the back-end. However, the team’s scoring punch that disappeared due to injuries in the Stanley Cup Playoffs seems to be back.
The Anaheim Ducks were beat 4-1 in the season-opener by the Vegas Golden Knights. Mason McTavish got the only goal for the Ducks while John Gibson made 34 saves. Anaheim will likely turn to Lukas Dostal with this being the second of back-to-back games. The Ducks have plenty of young talent on their roster. However, they just need time to mature and that may take some time.
Carolina has looked strong on the attack and should continue their road trip with another victory.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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