The Florida Panthers are looking to win their third-straight Eastern Conference title this year. Their trade for Matthew Tkachuk has ignited this run and given them a bona fide superstar. Tkachuk ascended into the general sports lexicon during the 4 ...

Even with star Matthew Tkachuk out indefinitely, the Florida Panthers seem poised to maintain their spot among the best in the Eastern Conference.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.

Tuesday’s NHL play will see the Florida Panthers (34-21-3) take the ice against the Nashville Predators (20-29-7), starting at 8:00 PM ET at Bridgestone Arena and broadcast on ESPN+. The Panthers are third in the Eastern Conference and the Predators rank 14th in the Western Conference.

Of the Winnipeg Jets (first overall), Capitals (second overall), Dallas Stars and Golden Knights (both tied with Edmonton for third overall), Panthers (sixth overall), Hurricanes (seventh overall) and Maple Leafs (ninth overall), the Oilers have only managed to beat Vegas.