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 Calgary Flames vs Tampa Bay Lightning.
NHL Predictions with Calgary Flames vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Calgary Flames vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-0 Flames
The previous time the two teams played Jan. 6, the Lightning came out on top 4-1. Nikita Kucherov and Ryan McDonagh had two assists each.
The Flames lost their past game by one to the Washington Capitals. The Flames are led by dynamic duo Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. Gaudreau has 74 points in 56 games, and Tkachuk has 65 points in 56 games.
The Lightning also lost their previous game but by three to the Winnipeg Jets. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions are led by their captain Steven Stamkos, who has 63 points in 55 games. Victor Hedman is next with 57 points in 56 games.
The Flames are at the top of their division with 75 points in 56 games, and while the Lightning are second in their division, they have 80 points in 56 games. It should be a high-scoring physical game from two of the league’s best teams.
Prediction: 4-3 Flames
St. Louis Blues vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Rangers 1-0 Blues
You don’t need to look back that far to see what happened the previous time these two teams faced off — it was just March 2. The Rangers won 5-3. Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin each had three points.
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The Blues have lost four straight. The Blues are led by Jordan Kyrou, who has 53 points in 52 games, and Vladimir Tarasenko, who has 48 points in 51 games.
The Rangers are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. The Rangers have four players with 53 or more points. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 62 points in 52 games. Mika Zibanejad has 58 points in 57 games. Adam Fox has 55 points in 54 games. Chris Kreider has 53 points in 57 games.
Both teams are in second place in their divisions, but the Rangers have 77 points in 57 games, while the Blues have 71 points in 56 games.
Prediction: 3-2 Rangers
Nashville Predators vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Ducks
The Predators beat the Ducks 3-2 back on Nov. 22. Ryan Johansen and Yakov Trenin each had two points.
The Predators have won their past two games, the first an 8-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. Nashville is led by Roman Josi, who has 60 points in 54 games, and Matt Duchene, who has 51 points in 52 games.
The Ducks lost their last game 8-3 to the Chicago Blackhawks. Anaheim is led by Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. Terry has 49 points in 54 games, and Zegras has 43 points in 53 games.
Both teams are fighting for a wild-card spot. The Predators are currently in the first wild-card spot with 68 points in 56 games, while the Ducks are on the outside looking in with 63 points in 59 games.
Prediction: 4-3 Ducks
Los Angeles Kings vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Sharks 1-0 Kings
The previous time these two teams faced each other on Jan. 17, the Sharks came out on top 6-2. Timo Meier had five points, Tomas Hertl has four and Erik Karlsson had three.
The Kings are on a three-game winning streak. Anze Kopitar leads the team with 51 points in 58 games. Viktor Arvidsson has 38 points in 50 games, and Adrian Kempe has 36 points in 55 games.
The Sharks are on a three-game losing streak. Meier leads the team in points with 54 in 51 games. Hertl has 42 points in 56 games, and Logan Couture has 41 points in 52 games.
The Kings are in second place in their division, while the Sharks likely won’t make the playoffs. But the Kings still need a win. They only have four more points than the team in the second wild-card spot and they have played two more games.
Prediction: 3-1 Kings
