A Tuesday night matchup features the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Welcome back to NHL predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we take a look at all the NHL’s upcoming games, providing predictions and analyzing matchups. In today’s prediction, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins play host to Nikita Kucherov and the Lightning. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions on Tuesday and the rest of the season here on Last Word on Hockey!
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST)
TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet+, TVAS,
Nearing the quarter mark of the season, the Penguins are looking to build on some momentum following a win against the San Jose Sharks. The Lightning meanwhile, are coming off a 4-0 shutout win over the New Jersey Devils. Pittsburgh’s 7-10-3 record is a reflection of their abysmal defensive play this season. In contrast, the Lighting’s 9-6-1 record places them third in the Atlantic Division heading into this game.
The Penguins’ Story
Pittsburgh has had a roller coaster of a start to the season. Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby lead the way in points with 19 apiece in 20 games. Following them, there’s a steep drop-off offensively to Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson, tied for third with 11 points. A significant lack in depth scoring is complimented by a mediocre defensive group. Defensive star Erik Karlsson has struggled in his own zone. Meanwhile, Kris Letang has missed games and may not appear in this one.
Goaltending is another concern following a shaky return to the cage for Tristan Jarry. Allowing five goals on 38 shots is a disastrous way to begin his return to the NHL. Meanwhile, Alex Nedeljkovic was barely able to keep Pittsburgh in the game against the Sharks, clinching a victory in the shootout. The team’s defensive systems will need to be better in supporting either goaltender, as neither Jarry or Nedeljkovic have been truly spectacular this far into the season.
The Lightning’s Story
Following the departure of captain Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov has continued to be an anchor for the Lightning. With an astounding 11 goals and 26 points in 16 games, Kucherov is showing no signs of slowing down. Brandon Hagel and free-agent acquisition Jake Guentzel are tied for 17 points behind Kucherov. The offensive element of the Lightning has not gone anywhere. Players like Hagel, Guentzel, Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul have made significant contributions already.
The phenomenal Andrei Vasilevskiy has played well in the first quarter of the season. His lacklustre 8-5-1 start comes with a .920 save percentage, showing that Vasilevskiy is more than doing his part to help his team win. With a deflated defensive group, Tampa will need their defensive players to support their goaltender better in their own zone. In tandem with Andrei Vasilevskiy is Jonas Johansson, going 1-1 with a .866 save percentage, Johansson seems to be a serviceable back up again this season.
Prediction
Although Crosby and Malkin aren’t showing too many signs of slowing down, the team around them are singing a different tune. Tampa has far too many offensive weapons hungry to help the team make up some points in the Atlantic division race.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Pittsburgh has an issue with holding leads later in games. If the Penguins can attain an early lead, expect Tampa to pressure the goaltender. I would recommend a Nikita Kucherov third period any time goal at +410 at Fanduel.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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