Welcome back to NHL Predictions, this time it is our 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs preview, where we break down matchups, analyze trends, and pretend we aren’t just flipping coins and calling it “advanced analytics.” This year’s Sunshine State Showdown brings us a sizzler, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. It’s palm trees versus storm clouds, retirees versus beach … [Read more...] about NHL Predictions: Playoff Series Preview with Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
Lightning
Oliver Bjorkstrand Confirmed Out For Round One
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that trade deadline acquisition Oliver Bjorkstrand won’t be available for the team’s Round One matchup against the Florida Panthers (Tweet Link). Bjorkstrand sustained a lower-body injury a few days ago, and his Round One availability was in doubt, given that his recovery timeline was designated as week-to-week. The Herning, … [Read more...] about Oliver Bjorkstrand Confirmed Out For Round One
Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov quietly among NHL’s best again as playoff showdown with Florida arrives
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — In a crowded field of generational talents, Tampa Bay Lightning wing Nikita Kucherov hides in plain sight. That’s often the case with Kucherov, who just won his second consecutive regular-season scoring title and third overall. Yet when discussions turn to the top players in the game today, the conversation tends to turn to Connor McDavid, Nathan … [Read more...] about Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov quietly among NHL’s best again as playoff showdown with Florida arrives
What are the Lightning going to miss with Oliver Bjorkstrand not available in Round 1
On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Lightning made it official as Coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Oliver Bjorkstrand will miss their opening series against the Florida Panthers. The 30-year-old forward has been out since April 11, and was originally ruled out “week-to-week” so it’s not a total shock that he won’t be back. Still, it’s a bit of a blow to the Lightning’s offense as they … [Read more...] about What are the Lightning going to miss with Oliver Bjorkstrand not available in Round 1
Game 1 Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Predictions Playoffs Edition
We’ve been waiting for over 20 years for the return of the Battle of Ontario, the playoff version. For this edition of NHL Predictions, presented by us here at Last Word on Hockey, that long anticipated wait is finally over. The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs get going for the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs today, on Easter Sunday. Be sure to keep up with this … [Read more...] about Game 1 Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Predictions Playoffs Edition