Welcome to NHL Game Day Predictions! Each day, LastWordOnHockey will break down every game and give our prediction for who will win. This will also include a featured game that should be must-watch hockey. Today’s featured game is the Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs. This is the early game slate. Look for the predictions of the other games tonight here.
Predictions Including Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Vancouver Canucks vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0 – 0 Devils
Both the Vancouver Canucks and the New Jersey Devils played Thursday night. The Canucks are travelling all the way from St. Louis after a shootout win. The Devils don’t have any travel at all. They picked up their first win of the season on Thursday. The Devils look to keep their luck rolling, however, newly signed Nico Hischier will be out for this game.
On the other side of things, the Canucks are expected to get goalie Jacob Markstrom back from a personal leave. Thatcher Demko has done a great job holding down the fort in his place and the Canucks are in very good shape goaltending wise. The short rest for the Canucks after a decent journey may affect this game. Expect the Devils to come out quickly but for the Canucks goaltending to hold the fort down.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-2 in overtime.
Montreal Canadiens vs St. Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1 – 0 Blues
The Montreal Canadiens start a road trip facing the St. Louis Blues. They beat the Blues at home last Saturday and look to take the season series in this matinee game. However, the Blues will no doubt be hungry for a win after losing to the Canucks on Thursday. The defending Stanley Cup Champions are 2nd in the Central with a record of 3-1-3. The Canadiens are the only team to keep them without a point this season and the Blues will want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
It is very likely Carey Price gets the start in net for Montreal. He has a goals-against-average of 2.79 this season but a save percentage of just .906. If the Blues can get on him early they have a good chance in this game. The Habs rank 8th in CF% to start the season and have a record of 3-2-2. This is the first of back-to-back games for Montreal and they will want to get out as quick as possible. However, the travel and the matinee may have an effect on this game.
Prediction: Blues win 4-2.
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0 – 0 Leafs
The Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs game is our game of the night. This is the first time the two teams have played each other since last season’s playoffs. The Leafs found out they will be without their captain John Tavares for a few weeks which is a huge blow. However, they are hoping that Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander can step up and increase their output. The Leafs haven’t beaten any very good teams yet this season and now is their test to try and prove they can.
On the other side of things, the Bruins have continued their dominant run from last seasons Stanley Cup Playoffs. Firing on all cylinders it doesn’t seem to matter if Tuukka Rask or Jaroslav Halak is net. David Pastrnak has 13 points in just 7 games and the top trio for Boston will be a lot for the Leafs to take care of. Toronto’s arena should be buzzing for this rematch and that’s why the Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs is our game of the night.
Prediction: Boston wins 5-3.
Colorado Avalanche vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0 – 0 Lightning
The Colorado Avalanche have had a very hot start to the season. They are making their way through Florida and will be on the second half of a back-to-back tonight. This definitely plays to their disadvantage. Mikko Rantanen has 10 points in six games and the Avs added depth including Nazem Kadri has been paying off. This will be a very good test of their skill and endurance, certainly being at a disadvantage tonight.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are rested and waiting for the Avalanche. They have had a very interesting season. Looking great against some really solid teams like Toronto. However, then turning around and losing to some other not as great teams like the Ottawa Senators. Much like for Colorado, this could be a statement game for the Lightning. The Avs are one of the hottest teams in the NHL and shutting them down on home soil could remind everyone who the Bolts are. This should be a solid back and forth affair.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-4.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0 – 0 Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been riddled with injuries but have continued to find a way to excel. Captain Sidney Crosby is off to a great start once again and the Pens have been riding behind that. The Pens are on the second half of a back-to-back and will face one of their toughest opponents yet. However, luckily for them, both games will be at home whereas Vegas has had to travel from Vegas Thursday to Pittsburgh.
The Vegas Golden Knights have started the year 5-3-0 and just beat the Senators in a shootout Thursday night. Travel may cause an effect in this game but the Knights will still be ready to play. The Knights offence has proven to be formidable this season and against a relatively weak Penguins defence core, they may have their way. Look for this to be a very high-tempo game.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
That’s all for our predictions today. Check-in every single day for more and keep an eye on the Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs as the game of the night. As always, enjoy whichever game you choose to watch.
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