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 Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-3 Panthers
TV: ESPN, Bally Sports Florida, Bally Sports Sun, Sportsnet
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Lightning trying to force the Battle of Florida back to Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy will be the starter once again for a Tampa Bay team that got a big boost in Game 4. Mikhail Sergachev returned to the lineup following the recovery of a lower-body injury and the Lightning looked like a new team. Steven Stamkos has been excellent this series with five goals. Both Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman have recorded six assists so far through four games.
Sergei Bobrovsky will get the call for the Panthers, who are trying to close out their in-state rivals. Florida got off to a bad start, which put it behind the 8-ball in Game 4. Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart each have three goals so far this post-season. Matthew Tkachuk has supplied four assists and has been a physical problem to the Lightning. Overturning an 0-3 deficit is pretty difficult, but it’s not impossible. Florida is well aware of what Tampa Bay can do.
Tampa seemed re-charged with Sergachev back in the lineup. However, the Panthers are a good team at making adjustments. Florida closes things out in front of its home fans to book a spot in round two.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series Head-to-Head: Stars 1-2 Golden Knights
TV: ESPN, Bally Sports Southwest; Scripps; Sportsnet
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Dallas Stars looking to even up the series against the Vegas Golden Knights. The road team has won the first three games of the series and Dallas has been very good away from home. Wyatt Johnston came to the Stars’ rescue by netting two goals, including the game-winner. Jake Oettinger is the expected starter in this game for Dallas. Jason Robertson has two goals and two assists for four points this series.
Logan Thompson is expected to draw the start once again, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Adin Hill, who helped spur the Golden Knights’ run to the Stanley Cup last season, is waiting in the wings. Mark Stone‘s return to the lineup has seemingly boosted Vegas at the right time. This is much to the chagrin on the rest of the NHL after coming off LTIR which the club took advantage of the cap relief allocation during the regular season. Moreover, Jack Eichel has two goals and three assists for five points while defenceman Brayden McNabb has a pair of goals.
Both teams have great defences, but Dallas has a 26-10-5 record. Vegas did sweep the regular season series, but the opposition may have some confidence after finally break through.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
With the limited amount of games, we figured we could make things a little more exciting in the two games that are being played tonight. In the first game, take Kucherov once again having a solid night with the over +0.5 points. Do the same thing with Tkachuk for Florida.
As for the late game, take Roberston with getting the over on +0.5 assists. We’ll also take Eichel on +0.5 goals while we’re at it.
Main photo by: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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