The Lightning host the Penguins in an Eastern Conference showdown. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Pittsburgh is looking to continue an upward trend of production from their new additions. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is trying to gain some points on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers—two teams ahead of them by a couple of points in the Atlantic Division race.
Head-to-Head: Lightning lead 2-0
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet+,
This will be the third matchup between these teams this season. The Lightning have taken the first two contests by scores of 3-2 and 5-2.
Following a shootout loss to the Florida Panthers, the Penguins are 29-32-11 this season. With this record, the team ranks eighth-last in the league, six points back of the Montreal Canadiens for the second wildcard spot. In a rebuilding season, the Penguins have had a lot of positives to look forward to going forward.
Chief among them, the Penguins top line of Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust have continued their excellent play. Rust led the way, with two goals and an assist. Behind him, Crosby had two assists, and Rakell had one. Crosby’s excellent play as of late has led to 78 points in 70 games. He would need to score just two points in his next ten games to lock down a 20th straight point-per-game season.
Following a 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa fell to 40-25-5 on the season. This record places them third in the Atlantic Division, four points back of the Panthers for first. Even with trade deadline acquisitions like Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstand, the Lightning have struggled as of late, going 5-4-1 in their last ten.
Leading the Lightning is Nikita Kucherov, the offensive superstar has lived up to his name this season, with 98 points through 66 games. Even with the departure of Steven Stamkos, Kucherov has received tons of support. Brandon Hagel is having a breakout season, scoring 77 points and 32 goals in 70 games. Free agent acquisition Jake Guentzel has 34 goals and 67 points in 69 games. The offensive firepower of Tampa Bay is their key to victory against a defensively deficient Penguins squad.
Tampa Bay is caught in a race for a crucial spot atop the Atlantic Division. Expect the team to be putting full effort in this contest.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-2.
Total Goals Over 6 (-125): Given both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent game trends, a high-scoring affair is anticipated.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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