Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we break down matchups, analyze stats, and pretend we have the foresight of a veteran goalie in a shootout. Tonight, in the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Utah Hockey Club match, the Lightning head west to face the new kids on the block (not the 90s singing group). This matchup promises altitude adjustments, high-paced action, and probably at least one player gasping for oxygen by the third period. Will the Lightning weather the thin air, or will Utah make their mark with a Mile-High upset? Let’s get into it.
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN+
Tampa Bay’s offence has been hotter than a summer day on Clearwater Beach. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each contributed a goal and an assist as the Lightning triumphed in a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars in their last game. If Tampa Bay can execute their patented transition game and avoid altitude-induced turnovers, they’ll be in good shape. Their power play has also been lethal. If Utah’s penalty killers can’t keep up, the Lightning could turn this into a special teams showcase before the Zamboni gets its first lap.
Andrei Vasilevskiy is Tampa’s brick wall in goal, and he’ll need to be on point. In his last game, he was stellar, making 22 saves during regulation and overtime. A new team like Utah might not have decades of history, but they’ve got enough youth, speed, and altitude to make things chaotic.
Utah may be new, but don’t let that fool you. They’re built with young talent, a chip on their shoulder, and a home-ice advantage that comes with oxygen deprivation. Utah thrives when they turn the game into a track meet. Utah doesn’t have a superstar (yet), but they’ve got contributors across the lineup. Dylan Guenther leads Utah with 25 goals and Clayton Keller has 24 goals, providing a balanced attack that can, ironically, strike like Lightning.
Whoever gets the nod in net for Utah will need to deliver the performance of a lifetime. Karel Vejmelka is 3-2 in his last 5 games, so he will need to be ready for Tampa throwing everything at him, including the kitchen sink, the faucet, and maybe a bench or two. A 35-save night is likely the bare minimum to keep things interesting.
Experience meets altitude in this east-meets-west showdown. Tampa Bay brings firepower, goaltending, and playoff poise. Utah brings altitude, youthful energy, and the wild card factor. If Tampa can handle the elevation and stick to their systems, they should emerge victorious.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Utah Hockey Club 2
Expect a fun one. Utah will push early with the energy of a toddler on sugar, but Tampa’s structure and finish will prove too much.
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Here’s a look at what we think are your best bets.
Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal. Over 0.5 (+160 odds)
Kucherov scoring is as reliable as your grandma’s complaints about the thermostat. If he gets the puck with space, go ahead and mark it on the scoreboard.
Dylan Guenther Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+135 odds)
Dylan’s been sneaky good for Utah, but with Tampa likely to dominate possession, he’ll need to make the most of his chances.
Tampa Bay is the established juggernaut, Utah the shiny new mystery box. If the Lightning keep their legs and their focus, they should skate out of Utah with two points. But don’t be surprised if the home crowd and elevation give Utah a jolt—they didn’t join the league just to be polite.
Main photo by: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule.
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