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 Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-0 Lightning
TV: TBS, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSSUN, BSFL, BSFLX
Our opening game of NHL predictions is another chapter in the Battle of Florida. Sergei Bobrovsky is the most likely starter for the Florida Panthers as they try to get a 3-0 series lead. Bobrovsky made some breathtaking saves to get the Panthers both wins at home. Carter Verhaeghe scored his fifth post-season overtime goal in only his 47th game to seal the win. However, Sam Bennett is out for at least a week according to Head Coach Paul Maurice.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have to find a way to get back into the series. However, Tampa Bay did push the second game to overtime before falling. Projected starter Andrei Vasilevskiy did all he could to keep the Lightning alive for a split. However, he’s going to need some help. Team captain Steven Stamkos leads the team in goals with two, but the team’s big players are going to need to step up to get back into the win column.
The Lightning are hard to put down in a series. Tampa Bay makes things interesting again.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2.
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders
Series Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2-0 Islanders
TV: ESPN2, SN 360, TVAS, BSSO, MSGSN
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Hurricanes looking to put a death grip on the series. Frederik Andersen is the likely starter once again. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Many were stunned by the Hurricanes rallying to steal Game 2 and getting a 2-0 series lead. Brett Pesce is out for the rest of the first round and the status of Jesper Fast is still in the air. Moreover, Brady Skjei has dished out three assists for Carolina in the first round.
The Isles are making a change in goal with Ilya Sorokin replacing Semyon Varlamov in the blue paint. Head Coach Patrick Roy‘s team is going to have pick up the pieces from the biggest post-season collapse in franchise history. Players like Bo Horvat and Anders Lee were finally warming up with a goals early in the game. However, Carolina pulled the rug out from under New York and walked away with Game 2. Usually going home is a good thing, but the Hurricanes are 25-13-3 away from Raleigh.
How do the Islanders come out after such a shocking loss? Do they put it behind them or do they let it consume them? The Isles will play will, but the Hurricanes put a stranglehold on the series.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
With the limited amount of games, we have some prop bets for you to make things even more interesting. We’ll take Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov getting on track with the over on +1.0 points tonight. On the Florida side, take Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk getting more than three shots.
In the second game, take Hurricanes star forward Sebastian Aho with +0.5 assists while go the over on +25 saves for Sorokin in goal for the Islanders.
Main photo by: James Guillory – USA TODAY Sports
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