{"id":437242,"date":"2024-02-07T10:00:14","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T15:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=437242"},"modified":"2024-02-07T10:28:47","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T15:28:47","slug":"nhl-predictions-feb-7-lightning-vs-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/07\/nhl-predictions-feb-7-lightning-vs-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Feb 7 w\/ Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"browsi_adWrapper_ai_0_ati_1_rc_0\">\n<div id=\"browsi_adContainer_ai_0_ati_1_rc_0\" data-google-query-id=\"CP31w927mYQDFX6npgQdNLICOw\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/15184186,22512265771\/lwos_incontent_1_1__container__\">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\u2019s featured game is the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/07\/tampa-bay-lightning-trade-deadline-anthony-beauvillier\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/02\/rangers-all-stars-should-use-chaotic-player-draft-as-motivation\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a>. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-1 Rangers<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TNT; Max<\/p>\n<p>Our opening and featured game has the Lightning looking to keep their three-game winning streak rolling. Tampa Bay has been playing very well as of late with six goals scored in each of those victories. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kucheni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikita Kucherov<\/a><\/span> is making a case for the Hart Trophy with 32 goals and 53 assists this season. There&#8217;s no doubt Kucherov will put a maximum effort out against the Rangers. <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vasilan02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/a> is the slated starter, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">always check social media<\/a> before locking in a fantasy starter.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Rangers are coming off a big victory over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/01\/20\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-and-colorado-avalanche\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> the last time out. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/panarar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artemi Panarin<\/a>, who leads the team in goals and assists, tied the game before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lafreal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexis Lafreniere<\/a> got the OT winner. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shestig01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a> is scheduled to get the start for the Blueshirts in this one. New York has one three of last five games as it tries to fend off the Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams have good offences and struggling Russian goalies. However, Tampa picks up the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Dallas Stars vs Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Stars 0-1 Maple Leafs<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Bally Sports Southwest; Sportsnet; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>The Dallas Stars look to make it five wins in a row when it plays the Toronto Maple Leafs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wedgesc01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Wedgewood<\/a> likely gets the call after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> made 47 saves the night before against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/04\/nhl-rumours-penguins-sabres-2\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>. The Stars seem to be back on track after getting some key players back in the lineup. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hintzro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Roope Hintz<\/a><\/span> tops the team in goals with 22 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roberja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Robertson<\/a> leads in assists with 33.<\/p>\n<p>Toronto will likely go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/samsoil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Samsonov<\/a> in between the pipes for this one. The Leafs suffered an All-Star Break hangover when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/engvapi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pierre Engvall<\/a> torched his old team in the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/01\/nhl-rumours-wild-and-islanders\/\" target=\"_self\"> New York Islanders<\/a> win in Toronto. Two solid offences play in this one as Dallas is third in goals scored while Toronto is in eighth spot. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> is at 40 goals already this campaign.<\/p>\n<p>This could be another fast-paced game, but the Stars defence is just a bit better.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Wild 1-0 Blackhawks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TNT; Max; Sportsnet 360<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/07\/nhl-rumours-winnipeg-jets-and-minnesota-wild\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Wild<\/a> making the short trek to face the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/06\/historic-site-will-host-2025-winter-classic\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>. <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gustafi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Gustavsson<\/a><\/span> is the confirmed starter for Minnesota, which is trying to break a two-game losing skid. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eriksjo02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Eriksson Ek<\/a> leads the Wild with 21 goals while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zuccama01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mats Zuccarello<\/a> has 31 assists. Both teams are in the bottom-half of the league in goals scored. The Wild are 20th in goals scored while the Blackhawks are dead-last.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mrazepe01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Petr Mrazek<\/a><\/span> is the expected starter for a Blackhawks team that is struggling without top point-getter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bedarco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Bedard<\/a>. He&#8217;s tied with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dickija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-02-07_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Dickinson<\/a> for the club lead in goals this season with 15. The Blackhawks have lost four in a row and been shutout in three of those defeats. Chicago is also 30th in goals allowed this season.<\/p>\n<p>The Blackhawks&#8217; offensive troubles make betting on <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\">Gustavsson<\/span> to get a shutout at least worth a look. Minnesota comes away with the win at the United Center.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Wild win 4-1.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":435710,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,4547,14,4548,9],"tags":[6233,6124,6012,6122,6391,6062],"class_list":["post-437242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-rangers","category-nhl","category-lightning","tag-chicago-blackhawks-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions","tag-new-york-rangers-predictions","tag-tampa-bay-lightning-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=437242"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/437242\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/435710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=437242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=437242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=437242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}