Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

Per NHL EDGE stats, Ekblad is tied for fourth among defensemen in offensive zone time percentage at even strength (47.2) this postseason. Of the eight high-danger goals scored by defensemen across the League this postseason, two have come from Panthers defensemen, including the tying goal by Ekblad in Game 4 (other was scored by Nate Schmidt).