Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL. In tonight’s matchup, the Lightning look to get valuable points against a fragile Penguins team.
NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-1 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, NHL Centre Ice, SN-PIT, The Spot, ESPN+
Penguins Story
The Penguins come into this game having lost two straight after a 1-0 loss to the Boston Bruins. With the loss, Pittsburgh is 7-3-0 in their last 10. With a total record of 21-14-9, the Penguins are just a point out of the playoffs. Coming into the weekend, Pittsburgh had six straight wins. However, their offence dried up against both Calgary and Boston. The Penguins scored just one goal over the weekend, a one-timer from forward Egor Chinakhov. The Penguins’ power-play did not do well over the weekend either, failing to score in the few chances they received. Their penalty kill, however, was a highlight, stopping every single chance, including six against the Bruins.
The new second line of the Penguins has done pretty well overall. Ben Kindel has brought a bit of a defensive element, while Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov have been building some chemistry together. Although it seemed the Penguins were getting back to full strength, Bryan Rust suffered an injury and was unable to play over the weekend. It is unclear how long he’ll be out. As such, expect Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell to continue to get different line mates from up and down the lineup. This alone will lead to more opportunities for players like Tommy Novak. From the blue line, expect Erik Karlsson to be an important factor in this game against the high-scoring Tampa Bay Lightning. The Penguins will need Karlsson to lead the defence and pitch in offensively if they hope to get a victory here.
Expect Stuart Skinner to get the start following his loss against Boston. Skinner is now 3-3 during his time in Pittsburgh. After a shaky first few games, Skinner has started to stabilize, and with a bit more insulation from the Penguins, expect him to continue seeing good results as the team inches towards the trade deadline.
Lightning Story
The Tampa Bay Lightning come into this game off of a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. With the victory, Tampa is riding a 10-game win streak. With a record of 28-13-3, the Lightning sit at the top of the Atlantic Division. Tampa has been a stellar team once again this season, even handing the Colorado Avalanche a rare regulation loss. A big part of their success comes from a spectacular offence, ranking top five in the NHL. The Lightning are great defensively as well, sitting second-best in the league for goals against per game. Tampa Bay plays a stellar all-around team game and look to be one of the best teams in the league once again this season.
Nikita Kucherov leads the Lightning in scoring once again this season. In just 40 games, Kucherov has scored 23 goals and 67 points. Behind him, Jake Guentzel has proven to be a great acquisition. He has 20 goals and 47 points in 44 games. Superstar defenceman Victor Hedman continues to be out with injury, producing 12 assists in 18 games before going down. In his stead, upcoming free agent Darren Raddysh has seized his opportunity. He’s scored 12 goals and 39 points in 38 games to place fourth on the team in scoring. The Penguins will need to adjust their defensive plan to account for the blossoming defenceman.
With Jonas Johansson getting the start in Philadelphia last night, expect Andrei Vasilevskiy to start against Pittsburgh. The legendary Russian netminder is 18-7-2 this season with a .913 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average.
NHL Prediction
The Penguins seem to be on a bit of a downswing, while the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to be one of the best teams in the NHL. Expect this to continue with a Lightning victory in this one.
Prop Bet of the Night
Both of these teams play a high-octane offensive game. Expect a high-scoring game in this one, in which a popular prop bet of goals over seven with odds of +180 is a good bet.
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Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images