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, the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars matchup promises high-paced action, elite skill, and probably a few guys getting shoved into the boards… just because. Will Lightning strike in Texas, or will the Stars shine bright in their home arena? Let’s find out.

Season Series: Tampa Bay 0, Dallas 1

Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Lightning Keys to Victory

Tampa Bay’s offence has been lighting up scoreboards like a Texas-sized fireworks show.  Jake Guentzel has six goals and three assists over the last 10 games, while Brayden Point remains a nightmare for opposing defences. If the Lightning can establish their transition game and avoid getting bogged down in Dallas’ defensive structure, they’ll be in business.

Tampa Bay’s power play has been one of the league’s most dangerous. Against a Stars team that plays physically, drawing penalties and capitalizing on the man advantage could be a game changer. If Tampa cashes in early, Dallas might be in for a long night.

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains Tampa Bay’s security blanket in net. But, Vasy will need to be on his A-game. If he can shut the door on high-danger chances, Tampa’s offence should do the rest.

Dallas Stars: Keys to Victory

Dallas thrives when they control the tempo and keep opponents frustrated with their defensive discipline. The Stars have a balanced attack. Mikko Rantanen has scored 29 goals with 45 assists for the Stars. Roope Hintz has three goals and 14 assists over the past 10 games. They have a sturdy blue line. If they want to take down Tampa, they’ll need to execute a few key strategies.

The Stars love to grind down their opponents, and they’ll need to impose their will early. On the defensive side, the Stars’ blue line is sturdier than grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing, and they’ll need every bit of that structure against Tampa. If they can clog the neutral zone and limit Tampa Bay’s speed, they can force the Lightning into a slower, more methodical game. If Jake Oettinger gets the start, he’ll need to be stellar. He’s 2-3-0 in his last 5 games. The Lightning love to create chaos in front of the net, so rebound control and positioning will be crucial. A 35-save performance wouldn’t be surprising—and it might be necessary for a Stars win.

NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars

Both teams bring offensive firepower, solid goaltending, and playoff-level intensity. Tampa Bay has the special teams edge, but Dallas’ physicality and home-ice advantage could be a factor. Still, if the Lightning’s stars shine, they should have the upper hand.

NHL Predictions Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Dallas Stars 2 (OT)

Expect a tight, hard-fought game with a few highlight-reel moments. Tampa’s experience in high-pressure situations might be the difference in overtime.

Top Prop Bets

Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal. Over 0.5 (+175 odds)

Kucherov scoring is as inevitable as a Texas barbecue joint having a long line. If he gets space, expect him to capitalize.

Jason Robertson Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-122 odds)

Robertson is Dallas’ go-to sniper, and against Tampa Bay’s aggressive defence, he should get his fair share of chances.

Final Thoughts: This game should be a battle between Tampa Bay’s speed and Dallas’s structure. Expect a tight-checking contest with moments of brilliance from both teams’ stars. If Tampa’s power play clicks and Vasilevskiy is dialed in, they should leave Dallas with two points. Otherwise, the Stars could grind out a win in front of their home crowd. Either way, hockey fans are in for a treat.

Main Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we break down matchups, drop some stats, and attempt to foresee the future like a fortune teller reading tea leaves, only our leaves are faceoff percentages and expected goals. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Boston Bruins in a clash that promises plenty of action, physicality, and possibly a few broken sticks (and maybe egos). Will Tampa’s offensive weapons light up the scoreboard, or will the Bruins’ defensive grit shut them down? Let’s dive in.

NHL Predictions Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins

Head to Head: Lightning 1-2 Bruins

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: ESPN+

Even amid a three-game losing streak, Tampa Bay’s offence is powerful. Nikita Kucherov has 28 goals and 63 assists for the Lightning. Jake Guentzel has scored five goals and added four assists over the past 10 games. The Lightning need to capitalize on their speed and puck movement to keep Boston on their heels. Preferably high heels rather than skates.  Tampa Bay’s power play has been electric, like their lightning bolt logo, and Boston’s penalty kill, while solid, will have its hands full. If the Lightning draw penalties, they need to cash in, preferably before Bruins fans finish their first round of overpriced stadium beers.

Lightning and their Keys to Victory

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains Tampa Bay’s biggest X-Factor. If he can get back to top form, Boston is going to have a rough night. The Bruins love to generate chances off the cycle, so Vasy will need to track the puck well and avoid getting screened by a parade of players in black and gold. If he’s sharp, Tampa Bay can take control.

Boston Bruins: Keys to Victory

Boston thrives on structure, physicality, and making life miserable for opposing top lines. Pavel Zacha has scored 13 goals with 27 assists for the Bruins. David Pastrnak has six goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.  They’ll need to slow down Tampa’s speed and force them to grind out goals rather than allowing rush chances.

If Jeremy Swayman gets the start, he will need to come up big against a relentless Tampa attack. He’s 2-3 in his last 5 games and for this game, a 35-save performance could be the difference between a victory and a long night of ‘what-ifs’ in the postgame interviews.

Boston’s defence must limit high-danger chances. If they can clear rebounds and prevent Tampa Bay from getting those greasy goals around the crease, they’ll keep things close.

NHL Predictions and just who Has the Edge

This game features two elite teams with different strengths: Tampa Bay relies on skill and speed, while Boston plays a hard-nosed, structured game. However, if Tampa Bay’s power play gets going and Vasilevskiy is locked in, it’s going to be tough for Boston to keep pace.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Boston Bruins 3 (OT)

Expect a tight, physical game with a few momentum swings. Tampa’s star power might just be the deciding factor in extra time.

Top Prop Bets for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins

Brayden Point Anytime Goal Over 0.5 (+155 odds)
If Kucherov isn’t scoring, is it even a Lightning game? Bet on him to light the lamp.

David Pastrnak First Goal (+850 odds)
Pasta loves to shoot his meatballs, and against Tampa Bay’s aggressive playstyle, he should get plenty of looks.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay and Boston always deliver entertaining matchups, and this one should be no different. Expect high-intensity hockey, some big hits, and at least one questionable officiating call that leaves fans on Twitter outraged. Can the Bruins’ defensive discipline hold up, or will Tampa’s elite scorers take over? Either way, it should be a game worth watching, or DVRing, if you forgot to buy popcorn and some Tums before the game starts.

Main Photo: Brian Fluharty – 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. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

NHL Predictions

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes

Head to Head: Lightning 2-0 Hurricanes

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: ESPN+; Hulu

Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we analyze matchups, sprinkle in some stats, and pretend to be hockey clairvoyants. Tonight, we’ve got a high-voltage showdown between the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes—a matchup that promises to be faster than a New York snowbird driver on I-75 and as unpredictable as Florida weather.

Tampa Bay heads to Raleigh looking to zap the Hurricanes out of their rhythm, while Carolina hopes to defend home ice with the fury of, well, an actual hurricane. Let’s break it down.

Lightning Keys to Victory

Tampa Bay has an offense that’s as electric as the bolt on their front jersey. Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point have been lighting up scoreboards all season, and if they get rolling early, it could be a long night for Carolina’s netminder, even with Victor Hedman listed as Day-to-Day. If the Bolts can establish their forecheck and dictate the pace, they’ll put the Hurricanes in a defensive spiral.

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains Tampa’s safety net. If he’s seeing the puck well, Carolina’s high-octane offense might struggle to crack open a cold one on ice. The Hurricanes generate a ton of chances off the cycle, so Vasilevskiy’s ability to track the puck and control rebounds will be crucial. If he’s on his game, Tampa will be in a prime position to steal two points.

Staying disciplined is another primary key. Carolina thrives on special teams, and the last thing Tampa wants is to hand over power-play opportunities like free samples at Costco.

Carolina Hurricanes Keys to Victory

The Hurricanes don’t just play hockey—they come at you like waves off the eastern Florida beaches. Their forecheck is relentless, and if they can keep Tampa hemmed in their zone, the Lightning might spend more time defending than attacking. If Carolina forces turnovers in the neutral zone, expect them to turn those into quality scoring chances.

Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov (Day-to-Day) will need to be at their best to break through Tampa’s defencive structure. Aho’s playmaking and Svechnikov’s ability to create scoring chances out of nothing could be game-changers. The more Carolina plays hide-and-go-seek with the puck, the more frustrated Tampa will be.

Goaltending will play a huge role. Whether it’s Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes, they’ll need to withstand Tampa’s onslaught. The Bolts are going to fire pucks from every angle like a carnival game, and if the Hurricanes’ netminder can hold strong, they’ll have a good chance not to hand out many purple bunnies.

Prediction

This one’s shaping up to be a classic battle between Tampa Bay’s star power and Carolina’s relentless system. The Hurricanes have home-ice advantage and an aggressive forecheck that could cause problems, but Tampa Bay’s elite talent and Vasilevskiy’s goaltending might be the difference.

Prediction: Lightning win in overtime, 4-3.

Expect a tight, fast-paced game with plenty of fireworks. This one has overtime written all over it, but Tampa’s big guns should find a way to sneak out of Raleigh with two points.

Top Prop Bets: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes

1. Nikita Kucherov Over 0.5 Goal
   Kucherov scoring is about as inevitable as a long wait at the DMV. He’s on a heater and should find twine again.
2. Sebastian Aho Over 0.5 Power Play Points
   Tampa’s penalty kill has been leaky, and Aho thrives on the power play. If Carolina scores on the man advantage, expect him to be involved.

Final Thoughts

This game is a heavyweight battle between two Eastern Conference contenders. Tampa Bay’s firepower and goaltending give them a slight edge, but Carolina’s structured attack and home-ice advantage make this one a coin flip. Buckle up!

Main photo by: James Guillory-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. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

15-Year Veteran and Stanley Cup Champion Traded to the Florida Panthers

NHL Predictions

2024-25 Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-1 Lightning

Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: NESN; ESPN+; SN1

The Bruins (28-28-8) travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning (37-21-4) at Amalie Arena in an enticing Saturday afternoon game. This matchup is the third of four matchups between this two Atlantic division foes, with the season series currently tied at 1-1. Both teams were active at the deadline, with the Bruins selling for the first time in decades, while the Lightning bolstered their roster for a Stanley Cup run.

A New Era in Boston

After Bruins Captain, Brad Marchand was dealt to the Florida Panthers on Friday afternoon, the Boston Bruins have officially entered a new era. With Marchand gone, there are officially zero Bruins left on the roster from the historic 2011 Stanley Cup win. The 36-year-old was not the only Bruin who departed this week. Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Charlie Coyle, and Brandon Carlo were all dealt. The Bruins moves leaves them with just five players left from their record breaking season in 2022-23. Those players include some talented individuals in David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, and Jeremy Swayman.

As the B’s say goodbye to some franchise stalwarts, they welcome in some fresh faces. They acquired a total of eight players in their deadline deals. There are a handful of newly acquired players who are expected to be in the lineup versus the Bolts. Casey Mittelstadt, Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko, and Henri Jokiharju are all expected to make their Bruins debut. These players will have some major shoes to fill and they hope to star their Bruins tenures with a strong performance on Saturday.

Their deadline moves prove that the Bruin shave entered a new phase and it seems as if they have kissed their playoff hopes goodbye. However, their new status as an organization should not change how hard the B’s play in each game. Now lead solely by David Pastrnak, the Bruins must remain competitive even if they continue to lose. Playing hard in these games can build good habits for next season. With a 60 minute effort on Saturday, the Bruins can start their new era on a positive note. Stealing two points from a division rival can boost locker room morale which could be lacking at this time.

Continue to Build Chemistry in Tampa

Although they were quiet on Friday, the Tampa Bay Lighting made a big splash in acquiring two very useful depth forwards. On Wednesday, the Lightning made a trade with the Seattle Kraken. They brought back Yanni Gourde as well as welcoming Oliver Bjorkstrand. This move is massive for the Lightning who play in a loaded Atlantic division.

In Saturday afternoon’s skirmish against the Bruins, the Bolts must continue building chemistry with their new additions. Although they got off to a hot start in Tampa’s 6-5 victory on Thursday night, there is always room for improvement. Bjorkstrand scored his as a Lightning, while Gourde registered an assist in his return. Moving forward, Tampa will have to consistently be on the same page. A solid two-way performance against the depleted Bruins will help tremendously in that department.

While all the chatter has been about their big trade, Tampa still has plenty of firepower. With the Bruins being very short staffed due to trade and injury, expect the Lightning’s stars to flourish. Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel are having stellar seasons and if they continue this play against the Bruins, they should have no problem obtaining two points.

NHL Predictions

After a gut wrenching loss to Carolina on Thursday and an incredibly hard trade deadline, the Bruins may find themselves in a tough spot on Saturday. Playing against one of the league’s hottest teams after so much roster turnover could be disastrous. Between Tampa’s all-stars and their new arrivals, their firepower may be too much for Boston too overcome. The Lightning need a victory much more than Boston does so expect them to get the job done on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction: Lightning Win 4-1

Prop Bets of the Night:

Speaking of new additions, expect forward Casey Mittelstadt to play a big role in the Bruins lineup. The 26-year-old has offensive upside that the Bruins very much lack, they will rely on him to fill a much needed void. Despite being new to the team, Mittelstadt is listed at +550 to score in his Bruins debut. As for the Bolts, look for Jake Guentzel to continue his hot streak as he has five goals in his last two games. The forward is a +175 to find the back of the net. Tampa is a -280 favourite at home.

Main Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres
Head to Head Matchup: Tampa Bay-0  Buffalo-0

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. We analyze matchups, dissect advanced stats, and pretend to have the foresight of a fortune teller. Tonight, we turn our attention to the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the Buffalo Sabres—a matchup featuring one team fighting for playoff positioning and another fighting to stay relevant. Will the Lightning strike down Buffalo with a barrage of goals, or will the Sabres gallop their way to victory? Let’s break it all down.

NHL Predictions: Lightning Keys to Victory

Tampa Bay’s offence is like a coffee-drinking toddler: fast, relentless, and nearly impossible to contain. Led by Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, the Lightning can light the lamp like a bug zapping against a repellant device. If Tampa gets on the board early and often, Buffalo’s faithful fans might try to beat the traffic home.

The Lightning also hold a major edge in goaltending with Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes. If he’s dialed in, the Sabres will need more than a lucky bounce to get past him. If he plays like his usual brick wall self, there’ll be no Buffalo stampede to worry about. Finally, Tampa Bay needs to take advantage of special teams. Their power play is lethal, and if Buffalo gets undisciplined, the Lightning can make them pay. If they win the special teams battle, this one could be over before the Zamboni makes its second pass.

Buffalo Sabres Keys to Victory

Buffalo’s biggest weapon? Speed. The Sabres thrive in transition, and if they can catch Tampa’s defence flat-footed, they’ll have a chance to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. Tage Thompson and  Alex Tuch must lead the charge because if Buffalo tries to play a structured defensive game against Tampa’s offensive firepower, they’ll be in for a long night.

Goaltending remains Buffalo’s biggest question mark. Whether it’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or James Reimer in net, the Sabres need their goalie to stand on his head. Tampa’s shooters won’t let up, and if Buffalo doesn’t get elite-level goaltending, the game could spiral out of control. Lastly, Buffalo has to keep its discipline. The Lightning’s power play is as dangerous as a hungry alligator in a Florida swamp. If the Sabres keep handing them power plays, they might as well stay on the team bus.

NHL Predictions. Who Has the Edge?

Buffalo has the speed and offensive potential to make this interesting, but Tampa Bay has the experience, superior goaltending, and more reliable scoring depth. If the Sabres can dictate the pace and stay out of the box, they have a shot at an upset. But let’s be real—the only upset will be Buffalo’s feelings after the final seconds tick off.

NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning 5 – Buffalo Sabres 3

Expect a high-scoring game with plenty of chances at both ends, but Tampa Bay’s firepower should be the difference.

Top Prop Bets: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres

1. Rasmus Dahlin Over 0.5 Power Play Points (+250 odds)                                                                                    Dahlin quarterbacks the Sabres’ power play and has the ability to generate offense from the blue line. If Buffalo gets a few chances, he could be a key contributor.
2. Tage Thompson Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-125 odds)
   Buffalo’s top sniper will need to be aggressive if the Sabres hope to keep pace. Expect him to fire plenty of pucks on net.
3. Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 Goals (+110 odds)
   Hagel has quietly been a great playmaker for Tampa. If the Lightning offense is rolling, expect him to pick up a goal.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay’s combination of offensive firepower and goaltending should give them the edge in this one. However, Buffalo isn’t just going to roll over—they have the speed and young talent to keep things interesting.

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The Seattle Kraken have made some news in the run up to the trade deadline. News emerged that the Kraken have completed the Yanni Gourde trade. Seattle has dealt Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Michael Eyssimont. It appears the Lightning are putting the final touches on their roster as they load up for their post-season run. There’s also some picks involved as the Lightning had to give up a first rounder in 2026 and 2027 to get it done. One more note is on retention. Seattle is retaining 50% of Gourde’s salary. As well, the Detroit Red Wings are in the mix, as they took on 50% of the remainder (so 25% overall).

Trade details:

To #GoBolts:
Yanni Gourde
Oliver Bjorkstrand
2026 SEA 5th Round Pick

To #SeaKraken:
2026 TBL 1st Round Pick
2027 TBL 1st Round Pick
2025 TOR 2nd Round Pick
Mikey Eyssimont

Tampa Bay’s next first round pick is in 2028.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 5, 2025

Seattle Kraken Make Yanni Gourde Trade

Gourde has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Kraken over his decade-long NHL career. The Saint-Narcisse, Quebec native has six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 36 games this season. He has a Corsi for of 48.3 and a relative Corsi of -0.9.

Gourde started his career in the AHL and ECHL. However, he has two Stanley Cup titles to his name. The 33-year-old is an original member of the Kraken franchise after being taken in the 2021 expansion draft.

Gourde was a standout with Victoriaville Tigres in the QMJHL. He earned the Jean Beliveau award for the league’s top scorer and was named the league’s MVP in the 2012 season.  However, he still went undrafted.

Oliver Bjorkstrand Trade Details

Bjorkstrand is a 29 year old, and five times he has been a 20-goal scorer. Furthermore, he is well on his way to achieving that mark again this year. He has always been a regular throughout his career.   Back to his last few years with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he was up to over 17-and-a-half minutes a game. However, this year, and since coming over to the Seattle Kraken in 2022, he has been more around his career average. That number being over 15-and-a-half minutes. And to be as consistent scorer as he’s always been is quite impressive.

Picking up Bjorkstrand is a very underrated move. Adding middle-six depth scoring is always needed this time of year. Yes, the right winger isn’t cheap with $5.4 million on the books for next year. However, any little bit extra on an already good team, can ultimately pay off in spades.

What It Means

Seattle general manager Ron Francis has made another trade in order to build for the future. Gourde brought his Cup-winning experience to the roster and has been a mainstay in the Pacific Northwest. Bringing in the 28-year-old Eyssimont is a decent add on. He brings reliability to go along with being able to build for the future with all the draft picks acquired.

Back to Gourde, and he did have a stint on the long-term injured reserve after suffering a sports hernia injury. Gourde had surgery at the end of January to fix the issue. That surgery could have put him being moved at risk. However, he was able to return and has been traded.

The veteran forward may have missed a lot of time this season. However, he can still be useful to a roster. The trade is a tough one for Kraken fans to take, but it’s a necessary one to make. Gourde may already have two Stanley Cup rigns, but he still may be in the race to add another.

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It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re rocketing towards the March 7 trade deadline and that means plenty of trade chatter. Teams are doing all they can to get their rosters ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Some clubs may be quiet at the deadline. However, others are clearly focused on adding to their rosters. One team that may be in the market to bolster their roster is the Tampa Bay Lightning. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the Lightning possibly chasing forward help.

All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Tampa Bay Lightning May be Seeking Forward Help

Rumour: In a recent edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, Chris Johnston said that Tampa Bay has some salary cap space to add a forward. The insider added that Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois is out there shopping and going to use the cap space.

Analysis: Tampa Bay is in the mix to win the Atlantic Division title. The Lightning are three points behind the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs for first place in the division. BriseBois has usually been willing to make moves at the trade deadline and this year may be no different.

Johnston said that the Lightning could be a player and “upend” the trade deadline. The Lightning have been running a short roster coming out of the Four Nations Face-Off break with only one extra player. This seems to be a move in order to bank salary cap space ahead of the deadline.

Tampa Bay currently has just over $6 million of deadline cap space that it can weaponize. Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper told Tampa Bay Times reporter Eduardo A. Encina that it’s going to be a different deadline this year. BriseBois won’t have to do money-in/money-out trades if he wants to add to the roster.

What It Means

Johnston said that BriseBois’ track record is that he’s going to make the most of the salary cap space that he’s racked up. There are a number of forwards that can be available for under the cap number. We’re also seeing a number of teams willing to retain salary in order to make deals happen.

This could give Tampa Bay a chance to add one of the more in-demand forwards at the deadline. We heard teams like the Seattle Kraken could retain up to 50-percent of Brandon Tanev’s $3.5 million salary according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. Tampa Bay hasn’t been linked to Tanev, but that could make a trade easier to digest for BriseBois.

The Lightning have been playing very well since the Four Nations tournament and are always a desired destination for players. Tampa Bay has a winning pedigree and advantages like not having a state income tax. The Lightning are going to be a player at the deadline and could really make a splash before the end of the week.

Johnston didn’t identify a specific target, but Tampa Bay has options. We may see the Lightning strike in just a couple of days time.

Main photo by: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we analyze matchups, drop some stats, and attempt to predict the future with a goalie’s confidence in a shootout. Today’s clash features the Tampa Bay Lightning versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. While this may not be a heated rivalry like some others, it still has all the ingredients for an entertaining contest. This game features elite offensive talent, unpredictable defence, and the potential for goalie meltdowns. The Lightning roll into Columbus looking to start a new winning streak, while the Blue Jackets want to remind people they still play hockey. Will Tampa’s offensive firepower zap Columbus, or can the Blue Jackets pull off an upset? Let’s break it down.

NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Season Head to Head: Lightning 1-1 Blue Jackets

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: ESPN+

Tampa Bay’s offence has been humming like an over-caffeinated Zamboni. The Lightning have the firepower to put this game away early. If they allow Columbus to hang around, things could get unnecessarily stressful. The Lightning’s power play has been lethal, clicking at an elite rate. Against a Blue Jackets team that tends to take bad penalties, Tampa Bay can put this away during the National Anthem. The Brick Wall, Andrei Vasilevskiy, remains Tampa’s ultimate gamebreaker. If he’s locked in, Columbus will have a tough time. The Blue Jackets generate most of their chances off broken plays, so Vasy will need to stay sharp. If he sees the puck well, Tampa Bay send Columbus off on a cruise without victory.

Blue Jackets and their Keys to Victory

Let’s be honest, Columbus is outgunned in this matchup. Their best bet is to clog up the neutral zone, limit Tampa Bay’s ability to generate speed through transition and shut the lights off a few times when they don’t have the puck.

Goaltending needs to be elite. If Elvis Merzļikins plays the hero between the pipes,  Tampa Bay’s top scorers may miss opportunities. A 40-save performance wouldn’t be shocking. Columbus isn’t going to generate as many scoring opportunities as Tampa Bay, so they need to make their shots count. If they can get a few greasy goals and frustrate the Lightning, they might steal one.

NHL Predictions and Just Who Has the Edge?

This game feels like a mismatch. Tampa Bay has the superior offense, goaltending, special teams and at least four more players with better beards. However, Columbus could make things interesting if they slow the game down and get standout goaltending. In the end, Tampa’s firepower will be too much for Columbus to handle. Expect a strong showing from Kucherov and company. Tampa Bay’s offensive talent and goaltending give them a significant edge in this matchup. Expect a fast-paced contest with plenty of Tampa Bay highlight-reel moments, and possibly a few Blue Jackets fans questioning what else was on TV tonight.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Top Prop Bets for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets featuring the following.

• Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal (+100 to +150 odds)
• Kucherov scoring is about as inevitable as a questionable icing call in the third period.
  Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 27.5 Saves (-120 odds)
• Columbus will likely get outshot, meaning Vasilevskiy should rack up plenty of saves. Betting on him to surpass 27.5 saves seems like a safe bet.
• Brayden Point Over 0.5 Power Play Points (+120 odds)
• Point is a key cog in Tampa’s deadly power play. If the Lightning get multiple chances with the man advantage, expect him to either set up a goal, score one himself or steal someone’s point off the scoresheet.

Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we break down matchups, chew on some data points, and pretend we have psychic abilities. Today’s showdown features the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers. This in-state rivalry has all the elements of a great hockey battle with speed, skill, physicality, and an occasional grapefruit break to make their faces more sour.

NHL Predictions Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

Season Series: Tampa Bay 1  Florida 1.

The Lightning head south to Sunrise, Florida, looking to put the Panthers back in a cage and climb the standings, while Florida hopes to defend their home turf with all the ferocity of, well, a Panther. Will Tampa’s offensive firepower reign supreme, or will the Panthers claw their way to victory? Let’s break it down.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers: Lightning Keys to Victory

Tampa Bay has an offense that can make any goalie call their therapist. With Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point on the prowl, the Lightning can get on the board early. If they let Florida settle into their defencive structure, things could get as frustrating as trying to find parking in downtown Tampa before a Lightning game.

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains Tampa’s not-so-secret weapon on their current eight-game winning streak. If he’s locked in, the Panthers are going to have a bad time. Florida loves to generate chances off the rush, so Vasi will need to be at his best tracking cross-ice passes and controlling rebounds. If he’s playing like his usual self, Tampa will be in a prime position to take two points back up I-75.

Florida Panthers Keys to Victory in NHL Predictions

Florida thrives when they dictate the pace, and they’ll need to use their speed and forechecking to disrupt Tampa’s breakout. The more they force the Lightning’s defence into bad decisions, the better their chances.

With the Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk on injured reserve with a groin injury, Evan Rodrigues could see ice time in place of Tkachuk, who has 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) in 52 NHL games this year.

Sergei Bobrovsky, or whoever gets the start in net, needs to be rock solid. Tampa Bay is going to fire a ton of shots, and if Bobrovsky isn’t on his game, this one could get out of hand quickly. If Florida can keep Tampa’s top scorers in check and stay disciplined, they’ll have a shot at defending home ice.

NHL Predictions, Who Has the Edge?

Both teams bring firepower, but Tampa Bay’s ability to capitalize on special teams and their goaltending edge give them the upper hand. However, Florida’s physical play and home-ice advantage could make this one closer than expected.

NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Florida Panthers 3

This one will be a tight battle, but Tampa’s experience and scoring depth should give them the edge.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay’s offensive talent and elite goaltending should give them the edge. Still, if Florida can dictate the pace, apply relentless pressure, and keep penalties to a minimum, they have a real shot at an upset. Expect a fast-paced, hard-hitting contest with plenty of fireworks—and maybe a few scrums along the way.

Top Prop Bets: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

1. Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal (+100 to +150 odds)
   Kucherov scoring is about as predictable as Florida humidity in August. Expect him to find the back of the net.
2. Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 29.5 Saves (-120 odds)
   The Panthers love to shoot from everywhere. Betting on Vasi to make at least 30 saves seems like a strong move.
3. Brayden Point Over 0.5 Power Play Points (+120 odds)
   Point is a key piece of Tampa Bay’s lethal power play. If the Lightning get a few man-advantage opportunities, expect him to either set up a goal or bury one himself.

Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Nietzel – Imagn Images

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