Welcome back to the return 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 matchups 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 more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN+; Hulu; SN Pacific
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Lightning taking on the Hurricanes. It’s been a trying week for Tampa Bay as the team had to travel to Raleigh earlier in the week. Hurricane Milton has played havoc with the Lightning and Saturday’s matchup is postponed. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the scheduled starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. This is a different-looking Tampa team with no Steven Stamkos in the lineup.
Frederik Andersen is schedule to be the starting goalie for Carolina in this one. There have been some massive changes to the defence. However, the Canes are still one of the more highly-regarded teams in the Metropolitan Division. Carolina was a really strong 31-11-5 at home last season. The Canes still have a potent power play that converted nearly 27-percent of their chances last season.
One wonders how Tampa Bay will come out with all the distractions. However, Carolina will not be the best hosts.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Chicago Sports Network; TSN3; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Chicago Blackhawks visiting the Winnipeg Jets. Chicago started off the season with a loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Arvid Soderblom is the projected starter for the Blackhawks in this game. Captain Nick Foligno and Teuvo Teravainen tallied goalies for Chicago.
Winnipeg came out the gate firing and rolled past the Edmonton Oilers, 6-0. Connor Hellebuyck got the shutout in the season-opener and is the likely starter once again. Mason Appleton collected a goal and two assists as the Jets showed plenty of offensive balance in the opener.
Chicago did improve, but its lineup still needs some work. Hellebuyck and Winnipeg looked solid in the opener.
Prediction: Jets win 5-2.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Vancouver Canucks
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; SN Pacific; ESPN+
Our final game of this round of NHL predictions has the Philadelphia Flyers opening the season against the Vancouver Canucks. Philadelphia is expected to go with Samuel Ersson in the blue paint. This will be the NHL debut of Matvei Michkov and there’s plenty of excitement surrounding him.
Vancouver will be seething after blowing a 4-1 lead to the Calgary Flames last time out. Kevin Lankinen will likely get the call in goal for the Canucks. J.T. Miller had a Gordie Howe hat trick in the opener against the Flames.
Adding Michkov will give the Flyers a dynamic offensive weapon. However, the Canucks will be a little annoyed after letting two points slip away.
Prediction: Canucks win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We have some props for you guys to try for Friday night’s action. Everyone is talking about the debut of Michkov and Hard Rock Bet has him at +260 to get the over on 0.5 goals.
On the Canucks side, Hard Rock Bet also has Elias Pettersson at +130 on over 0.5 assists. This could be a way to get into the good side with these wagers.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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