Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. In today’s NHL Predictions round, we look at Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Edmonton Oilers.
This matchup features two teams with Stanley Cup aspirations and high-powered offenses. The Lightning are trying to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while the Oilers are in a battle for seeding in the West. Both teams boast elite scoring talent. If you like fast-paced hockey, highlight-reel plays, and goalies questioning their life choices, this game is for you.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Edmonton Oilers
Time: 7:30 P.M.
TV: ESPN+, Hulu
Head-to-Head: Oilers Lead 1-0
The two teams met in December. Behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisitl led the way for the Oilers in a 2-1 win. The two teams will conclude the season series Tuesday in Tampa Bay. Of course, it is possible these two teams will meet up in the Stanley Cup Final this season.
Lightning: Keys to Victory
The Bolts were victorious in their last game on Sunday. The Lightning are led by Nikita Kucherov, who is having another MVP-caliber season. His ability to create offence from anywhere on the ice makes him the “Wizard of Ahhhh’s”. Alongside Brayden Point, the Bolts have one of the league’s most potent forward groups.
A major key to victory will be special teams dominance. Tampa’s power play has been clicking at over 26%, and considering Edmonton’s penalty kill sometimes looks like they’re on a sightseeing tour, the Lightning should take full advantage.
Defensively, Victor Hedman and crew have their work cut out for them. They’ll be seeing a lot of McDavid, which is a nightmare matchup for any team. If Hedman can slow him down even a little—maybe throw a banana peel in McDavid’s path—Tampa will be in good shape. In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy will need to be at his best. The Oilers fire shots like they’re trying to break a high score at an arcade. two points.
Oilers: Keys to Victory
The Oilers are on a small losing streak that dates back to before the 4 Nations Face-Off. Their last game was an ugly one against the Washington Capitals. Behind an Alex Ovechkin hat trick, the Capitals won, 7-3. Step one: Let McDavid do McDavid things. Connor’s faster than a caffeinated squirrel. If Tampa’s defence gives him too much space, the Lightning might need an exorcist rather than a goaltender.
The Oilers need to control the pace of play to win. Tampa Bay thrives in high-scoring games, but Edmonton has the speed and skill to dictate the tempo. If the Oilers can use their transition game to put pressure on Tampa Bay’s defense, they can create plenty of scoring opportunities.
Edmonton’s netminders have been a question mark this season, with Stuart Skinner taking most of the starts. If Skinner can keep Tampa’s top line in check, the Oilers will have a strong chance at victory.
Prediction
This game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. Both teams feature superstar talent, elite power-play units, and goaltenders capable of stealing a game. However, Tampa Bay’s defensive structure and goaltending give them a slight edge.
Expect McDavid to skate faster than the camera can keep up, but a fast-paced contest with plenty of chances at both ends of the ice should favor Tampa. Ultimately, Tampa Bay’s ability to convert on the power play and Vasilevskiy’s goaltending should be the difference in a close game.
Tampa Bay 4, Edmonton 3 (OT)
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go to our featured game for some of our best picks for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Edmonton Oilers:
- Kucherov – Over 1.5 Points (-110)
- Betting against Kucherov getting multiple points is like betting against the sun rising. Just take it.
- McDavid – Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (-120)
- He skates at warp speed, has the puck all game, and loves to fire lasers at the net. This one’s a no-brainer.
- Over 6.5 Total Goals (-105)
- With these offenses? Yeah, this could be hit by the second period.
Who will come out on top in this heavyweight showdown? Stay tuned for more NHL action as the season rolls on!
Main Photo: Perry Nelson- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: February 25th Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Edmonton Oilers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.