Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the scheduled games 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. Calgary Flames.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-1 Lightning
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; Fan Duel Sports Sun; ESPN+
in this round of NHL predictions, the Lightning host the Flames in what promises to be a battle-filled with goals, grit, and more. Both teams are fighting for key points as the playoff race heats up, and neither side will want to back down. Will Tampa Bay’s offensive firepower prevail, or will Calgary’s physicality slow Tampa down?
Tampa Bay Keys to Victory
Tampa Bay doesn’t just score goals—they make a sport out of embarrassing goaltenders. With Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point leading the charge, the Lightning need to get on the board early to force Calgary out of their defensive shell. If they let the Flames settle in, things could get as uncomfortable as trying to get out of the parking lot before a logjam begins.
When you have a goalie like projected starter Andrei Vasilevskiy, life gets a little easier between the pipes. He’s the kind of netminder who can steal a game and then report it to his insurance company to get money back. If Vasilevskiy can withstand Calgary’s physical play and limit rebounds, the Lightning will be in prime position to take two points.
Calgary Flames Keys to Victory
Forecheck like your season depends on it. Because, well, it kind of does. The Flames thrive when they can pressure opposing defensemen into turnovers, and that will be key against Tampa’s skilled blueliners. If guys like Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau can cause havoc on the forecheck, the Flames can generate quality chances and keep Tampa Bay from transitioning cleanly. Or dirty. Whichever keeps them out of the net.
Calgary’s best penalty-killing strategy? Not taking penalties in the first place. If the Flames can keep this a five-on-five contest, they’ll have a much better chance of dictating the game’s pace. Giving Tampa Bay’s lethal power play free opportunities is a recipe for disaster, and that’s one meal Calgary would rather not serve Tampa for dinner.
Dustin Wolf or Daniel Vladar—whoever gets the start—will need Dr. Scholl’s in their helmet, because they’ll need to stand on their head. Tampa’s offense is relentless, and if Calgary’s goaltender has an off night, this one could get ugly fast.
Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
On paper, this looks like Tampa Bay’s game to lose. Their offense is too powerful, and their goaltending is superior. However, Calgary’s physicality and home-ice advantage could make this one closer than expected.
While Calgary will make it tough, Tampa Bay’s ability to capitalize on power plays and their elite goaltending should be the difference.
Prediction: Tampa Bay wins 4-2.
Top Prop Bets
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night.
1. Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goal (+100 to +150 odds)
Kucherov scoring is about as predictable as your favorite drunk uncle making a bad joke at Thanksgiving. Expect him to find the back of the net.
2. Andrei Vasilevskiy Over 28.5 Saves (-120 odds)
The Flames are going to throw everything at the net. Betting on Vasilevskiy to make at least 29 saves is a smart move.
3. Brayden Point Over 0.5 Assists (+120 odds)
Point is the playmaker Tampa relies on. If the Lightning’s offense is rolling, then that’s the…Point.
Final Thoughts
Tampa Bay’s elite offensive talent and special teams should give them the edge, but if Calgary can dictate the pace and limit penalties, they’ll have a shot at an upset. Expect a fast-paced and hard-hitting contest with plenty of fireworks. Check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: February 27th Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Calgary Flames appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.