NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning Three Fascinating Keys To Victory Vs. Pittsburgh Penguins…

In today’s NHL forecast, we turn our attention to an Eastern Conference clash between the Tampa Bay Lightning (10-8-5) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (10-10-1). Following a frustrating loss to the Arizona Coyotes, where despite dominating with 77 shot attempts, the Lightning could only manage one goal, the team looks to rebound after a two-game skid on the West Coast.

The Penguins, with additions like Erik Karlsson and the appointment of Kyle Dubas as General Manager, are actively pushing for a playoff spot. Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, along with linemate Bryan Rust, continue to be a formidable even-strength trio.

As the Lightning return home after a three-game road trip, they seek to capitalize on their improved offensive performance. Here are three keys to victory for Tampa Bay in this matchup:

1. Solve Tristan Jarry: The Penguins’ goaltender, Tristan Jarry, has been a standout performer this season, justifying his recent contract extension. Despite criticisms, Jarry ranks impressively in various goaltending metrics. However, a deeper analysis reveals vulnerabilities, particularly against slapshots, tips, and deflections. The Lightning should target deflections on the right post, exploiting Jarry’s weaknesses and playing to their offensive strengths.
2. Andrei Vasilevskiy Against Pittsburgh’s 5v5 Finishing Talent: Pittsburgh boasts one of the league’s best 5v5 offenses in terms of chance generation but struggles to convert opportunities. Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning’s star goaltender, becomes pivotal in this game, tasked with shutting down Pittsburgh’s finishing talent. Tampa Bay will rely on Vasilevskiy to secure a crucial victory, especially considering the Penguins’ tendency to underperform in finishing chances.
3. Increased Level of Play from Nick Paul: With the departure of Yanni Gourde, Nick Paul stepped into the third-line center role for the Lightning. Initially showing promise with five goals and seven points in his first nine games, Paul’s recent performance has dipped. As a key contributor on the second-best power-play unit in the league, Paul needs to elevate his game in all situations to bolster the Lightning’s contention status come playoff time.

In summary, this Eastern Conference matchup features two teams with high expectations struggling to break free from the middle of the standings. While Crosby, Guentzel, and Jarry present formidable challenges for the Lightning, the prediction leans towards a Tampa Bay victory with a 3-2 scoreline.