![]() This Atlantic Division matchup features the best record in hockey and a past champion struggling to find their identity. Often, the Bruins rely on their structure to outperform teams with deeper rosters. The Bruins will make them pay if they are not structurally sound in this game. The Lightning finally faces an opponent who will expose the defensive zone issues in seconds. Johansson has done everything he can to give this team a chance, and they continue to let him down. The Lightning constantly leaves players wide open and uncontested in high-danger areas, especially in front of Jonas Johansson. However, the new system has not gone according to plan. Defensive Coach Jeff Blashill switched the defensive scheme to a “box plus one” strategy, similar to what the Vegas Golden Knights played in their Stanley Cup Championship run. The Lightning surrendered the eighth-most high-danger shot attempts in the league in 2024. Team defence is the kryptonite of this roster. If the entire roster does not buy in defensively, the Lightning will walk away empty-handed tonight. They must rely on the superstars to edge out a victory. Tampa Bay can get goaltenders and defenders out of position to leave open nets through their passing skills. Furthermore, the Lightning uses deception in their offensive chance generation. Steven Stamkos and Kucherov possess talent in the shooting department. In other words, this team has the ability to finish their scoring chances. On a good note, the Lightning have shot five goals over expected in all situations this season. Tampa Bay must capitalize on their scoring chances to win this game, and Boston will not give them many. The tandem combines to rank third in team total high-danger save percentage (88.04%). ![]() Moreover, Ullmark ranks 11th in goals saved above expected (4.3 GSAx) at 5v5. Swayman ranks fifth in goals saved above expected (5.7 GSAx) at 5v5. The two-headed monster of a tandem continues to show that last season was not a fluke. Let’s face it, no fluke goals are passing by Ullmark or Swayman. The two-headed monster of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman allow Boston to sit where they are today. The reason for their success has been goaltending. After all, the Bruins rank 15th in 5v5 shooting percentage (8.89%) and are scoring at their expected rates. These stats may be a sign of a lucky start for the Bruins. On the other hand, the Bruins rank first in goals for percentage (62.26 GF%). That is an 11-place drop-off relative to their position in the standings. The Bruins rank 12th in expected goals for percentage (52.13 xGF%) at 5v5. NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay vs Boston Three Keys to Victory for Tampa Bay Take The Fight To Them Here are the keys to victory for the Lightning in this matchup. The Lightning must continue to grab points, or they will quickly fall behind in the playoff race. The Bruins are an absolute wagon with top-notch goaltending. Coyle has 14 points, and Zacha has 13 points on the season in 16 contests. ![]() Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha stepped up to fill the vacant centre roles. David Pastrnak leads the way with 27 points in 16 games for the Bruins. In addition, many predicted the Bruins to experience massive regression, but this has not happened. Despite losing their two top centres, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Boston has not skipped a beat to open the 2024 season. On the other side of this matchup, the Boston Bruins (13-1-2) continue to dominate the NHL after posting the best regular season of all time in 2023. Furthermore, Brayden Point has the fifth-most points in the NHL with 23. Nikita Kucherov is tied for second in overall scoring with 27 points on the season. The Lightning scored three late third-period goals to complete a come-from-behind win. The Tampa Bay Lightning (8-6-1) now ride a two-game win streak after defeating the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. ![]() Today’s NHL Predictions features an Atlantic Division matchup.
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