Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where the Last Word on Hockey provides insight into all of today’s games. On Wednesday, November 13th’s edition of NHL Predictions, we’ll take a look at five games. Today’s featured game is the battle of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Islanders.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-0 Devils
It’s the first game of the season between the Ottawa Senators and the New Jersey Devils. This should not have been a battle between two struggling teams, but yet, here we are. Mainly because of an unexpectedly indisposed start on behalf of the Devils. Yet, only one point separates these two squads in the standings, with New Jersey having an upper-hand. The Devils come back home after a positive road swing, where they won three out of five contests.
At Prudential Center, the Devils are 2-2-4 in their eight home tilts. Incredibly, in those six overall losses, they have blown a lead of any kind in each of those. The Senators had a strong outing last week, winning three of their four games. However, their 8-2 loss on Monday is not going to bring much positivity. The Sens will try to rebound. Ottawa has just one road triumph in eight attempts this season. The Devils have won three straight against the Senators at home. Expect the same on Wednesday night.
Prediction: New Jersey wins 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Leafs 0-0 Islanders
The featured matchup of this Wednesday’s NHL Predictions is none other than the Toronto Maple Leafs facing the Islanders in New York. It’s another edition of John Tavares coming back “home”. Who doesn’t like that? The energy level of this game should be insane, once again. Last March, the Maple Leafs visited Nassau Coliseum as the Islanders beat them 6-1. Then in April, the Leafs got their revenge with a 2-1 win.
The Islanders saw their 10-game win streak come to an end last week. However, they maintained their point streak, and it now counts 12 straight contests without a regulation loss. On the other hand, the Maple Leafs had a tough weekend with back-to-back losses. Those two setbacks followed a three-game win streak. Before that, Toronto lost four out of five. It seems like an inconsistency, one would guess. The Leafs already had one three-game losing skid at the beginning of the season.
However, the Islanders are powerful on their home ice. From their last 10 games played in New York, it’s a five-five split for both teams. Neither team has been able to win two straight head-to-head games in New York over that stretch. Maybe the streak will go on. The Leafs will start Frederik Andersen, their next game is an important one, with the Boston Bruins coming to town on Friday. The Isles will play in Philadelphia on Saturday next.
Prediction: The Islanders win 4-3 in overtime.
Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-0 Flyers
Is there any team hotter in the NHL than the Washington Capitals? The answer is no. The Caps sit atop of the league’s standings with 30 points. They currently possess a 12-game points streak. Their previous six-game winning streak was halted by the Arizona Coyotes on Monday. The Caps won’t complain, though, as they recovered from a 3-0 deficit in that game.
For the Philadelphia Flyers, who were swept last season by the Capitals, it’s probably the best time to face Washington. The Flyers are 8-2-1 in their last 11 decisions while riding a four-game winning streak. Their latest three games had an authentic script: blow a 2-0 lead, win in overtime or a shootout. That’s how the Flyers carry a six-game point streak. At Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia is 5-1-1, the only team to defeat them there in 60 minutes were the Dallas Stars. Expect a thriller on Wednesday night.
Prediction: Philadelphia wins 5-4 in overtime.
Dallas Stars vs. Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-1 Flames
The Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars have had an inconsistent start to the campaign. However, lately, it has been a different kind of story. The Stars have won seven of their last nine contests. On Sunday, they dropped a game against the Winnipeg Jets in overtime on the road. They will try to rebound playing on the road. The Flames have gone 4-1-1 in their last six games, largely thanks to the humongous comeback win in Nashville a few weeks ago.
From nine games disputed at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Flames have lost just one in regulation, against the Capitals. They are overall 6-1-2 in their nine home contests. Oppositely, the Stars have lost six of their nine road matchups. Nevertheless, Dallas has left Calgary with four wins in their last five visits. The rising Stars might strike on a Wednesday night, again.
Prediction: Dallas wins 3-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-1 Golden Knights
To wrap up today’s edition of our NHL Predictions, we head to Nevada, where tonight, the Vegas Golden Knights take on the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights, still in the playoff spot in the Pacific Division, find themselves in a slump. Vegas has lost seven of its previous 10 contests. One of their rare wins over the past couple of weeks has come in Chicago facing the Blackhawks.
The Golden Knights who have only one victory in their last six meetings will have something to prove tonight on home ice. On the other hand, the Hawks are in a sweet spot. From their last six games, just once, the Blackhawks failed to draw at least a point. It’s not fabulous, but still, it’s the best run of the season for Chicago.
Unexpectedly, Vegas has won at home in regulation only three times in nine attempts. However, all three head-to-head matches disputed at T-Mobile Arena ended with a regulation victory for the home team. In their franchise history, the Golden Knights remain undefeated against Chicago in seven contests. The Hawks already played six overtimes, the Knights took part in five overtimes. Their last two head-to-head games, in Chicago, have gone past 60 minutes. Perhaps, another OT tonight?
Prediction: Vegas wins 4-3 in overtime.
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