Around the NHL: Predictions for February 27th

There are three games on the NHL schedule tonight. Let’s take a look at the top picks, plays and predictions.

Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.

The Game to Watch: Kings vs Wild.
Deadline madness is officially underway. Both teams in tonight’s game made an unexpected move yesterday in an attempt to bolster their lineup as they push to the postseason.

The Los Angeles Kings tipped the first domino by dealing for Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop. In turn, the Kings shipped out Peter Budaj, Erik Cernak, a seventh-round pick and a conditional second-rounder.

Timing seems off in this deal. Jonathan Quick had literally just made his return to action after months of inactivity the previous night, and it was Peter Budaj’s tremendous efforts that have kept the Kings in playoff contention. As a thank you, they trade Budaj away. Los Angeles has five sets of back-to-backs remaining, but this move is likely not just about five games.

The only justification I can sense from this deal is a lack of confidence in Jonathan Quick’s groin. Quick has had lower-body issues in the past, and this move is a security net for their season. In the event Quick suffers a setback, the Kings have another goalie ready to lead the charge to the Cup.

Plus, Budaj’s value will never be higher. That’s the cruelty of sports. Thanks for saving our season, close the door on your way out.

But when it comes to befuddling trades, the Minnesota Wild took the proverbial cake. The Wild sent three picks, including a first-rounder, to the Arizona Coyotes for Martin Hanzal and Ryan White.

It seems like a massive overpayment for a rental of a third-line center and a fringe NHLer.

Hanzal has 16 goals (led Arizona) and 10 assists on the season. Arizona general manager John Chayka said that he is “going to help the Minnesota Wild win the Stanley Cup.” Hanzal is a fine player, but this was a king’s ransom all things considered.

To the game tonight: Minnesota is coming off their bye-week tonight. It is also their final installment of an eight-game homestand. Though bye-weeks usually throw teams off their game, the Wild have won their last five games playing on three or more days’ rest.

The home team has won five of the last six meetings between these two teams.

Perhaps Quick’s return to the lineup will help inspire the Kings to be a bit better against playoff teams. The Kings have lost their last four games against teams with a winning record.

Prediction: Take the Wild to win. Play the under.

Other Game Notes Around the NHL

Senators vs Lightning: The Andrei Vasilevskiy era is on in Tampa Bay. Fans could probably see this coming, considering Bishop was in the last year of his contract and Vasilevskiy is getting to the point where he’s a bit too old to be a backup. It’s time for the 22-year-old to start full-time and further his development.

The Russian is 11-13-5 this season with a .909 save percentage and a 2.81 goals-against average. They are not spectacular numbers, but no one on the Bolts has really performed as expected this season. Vasilevskiy is capable of great things, like his 37-save performance against Minnesota earlier this month.

Give him time, he will be a very solid goaltender in the NHL.

Tampa is still fighting to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference. Every game is vital, especially since March is heavily laden with games against division opponents. However, they are 1-4 in their last five against the Atlantic and winless in their last four games against the East overall.

Ottawa, meanwhile, is cruising to the top of the division, just two points behind the Montreal Canadiens with two games in hand. They have won four of their last five road games and five of their last six against teams with a winning home record.

This one is going to be tough for the Lightning.

The schedule is the one factor working in the Bolts’ favor. Ottawa was in action last night, besting the Florida Panthers 2-1 in Sunrise. Craig Anderson stopped 37 shots, meaning Mike Condon will likely get the call tonight. Zack Smith and Kyle Turris netted goals. Mike Hoffman returned to the lineup after sitting out a week.

Prediction: Take the Senators to win tonight. Play the over.

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