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 Tampa Bay Lightning.
NHL Predictions with Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Panthers 0 – 0 Devils
The Florida Panthers have been off to one of the hottest starts in the NHL. Their first regulation loss came last night and they are still 10-1-1 to start the year. Not surprisingly, this has them first in the division and league. Sergei Bobrovsky will likely go tonight as Spencer Knight started last night and it didn’t go well for him. However, the Panthers are still one of the best teams in the league. Deep offence up front with a solid defence core. Look for them to be hungry for two points tonight.
The New Jersey Devils have had an alright start to the season. At 5-3-2 it could be worse for them. It was looking like 2019 first overall pick Jack Hughes was finally going to have his breakout season. Unfortunately, he got hurt and is expected to miss still close to a month. The Devils did add some depth this offseason though and are better prepared than they would have been last year. Look for a feisty outing here.
Prediction: Panthers win 3-2 in Overtime.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0 – 0 Lightning
The Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning is our game of the night for good reason. Two of the best teams in the NHL going at it, and a rematch from the playoffs last year. The Hurricanes are also off to an amazing 9-1-0 start as they look to continue dominating. Frederik Andersen has found his game again after a few injury-riddled years and it’s showing. Sebastian Aho is coming into a form of his own up front and they are getting some contribution from guys like Jesperi Kotkaniemi too.
The Lightning haven’t exploded out of the gate but are 6-3-1 and third in the Atlantic. They are missing Nikita Kucherov but have so much talent they can stay afloat. However, their depth is certainly being tested with all the losses they suffered this offseason. Two Stanley Cups will do that to you of course. Andrei Vasilevsky is going to need to be on top of his game tonight for Tampa to pull out a win.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.
Ottawa Senators vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Senators 0 – 0 Bruins
The Ottawa Senators are having some COVID issues and will be down some normal skaters tomorrow. However, that does mean Erik Brannstrom will make his season debut and it is possible Egor Sokolov could make his NHL debut too. Barring any more losses, this could be when a team is most dangerous. The Sens have come out slow this year and already not favoured, they could play like they have nothing left to lose. Look for them to keep this one close.
The Bruins have started 5-4-0 on the year and are currently sixth in their division. Not a spot they are used to being in. However, David Pasternak hasn’t gotten going just yet and you know that won’t last all year. When you have him, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and Taylor Hall for forwards there is only so long you can keep this offence from winning games, and lots of them. The Bruins will need to be careful not to fall into the potential trap game against a weakened team tonight.
Prediction: Senators win 3-1.
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Los Angeles Kings vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Kings 1 – 0 Canadiens
This is the last meeting between these two teams already this season. Los Angeles took the first one at home 5-2 in what wasn’t a close game. They are coming off of a big 5-1 win last night and will need to carry that momentum over. Playing back-to-backs is always tough enough, let alone on the other coast. It will be interesting to see how much fuel the Kings have in the tank tonight. Even without Drew Doughty, they are keeping afloat at 6-5-1, but these are two more crucial points.
The Montreal Canadiens have had a disaster year. Already almost admitting they are out of things, now it is about figuring out how to build good habits and build on who is a part of their future going forward. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield haven’t taken the steps that were expected, which led to Caufield being sent to the AHL. However, this team still has some talent and with Carey Price joining the team again this week maybe some momentum will shift.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0 – 0 Red Wings
In our last game in the early slate, the Edmonton Oilers look to continue their amazing start. A 9-1-0 start has them up with the Canes and Panthers for the league lead and they don’t want to slow down anytime soon. Connor McDavid continues to make highlight-reel plays and all Leon Draisaitl knows is putting up points. The two are absolute machines and with the addition of Zach Hyman, along with the emergence of Jesse Puljujarvi, their forwards are rounding out nicely.
The Red Wings have been off to a very pleasant start considering they weren’t expected to do much this season. While playoffs seem unlikely, this start is way more encouraging than being destroyed every game. Even better? The young guys are leading the way. Mortiz Seider has been solid and Lucas Raymond has been nothing short of phenomenal. Not only on the scoresheet but analytically too. He is driving play at an absurd rate for someone his age. This Detroit team will look to stay feisty but the high-flying Oilers offence may be too much.
Prediction: Oilers in 6-3.
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