Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where the Last Word on Hockey provides insight into all of today’s late games. On Wednesday, December 4th’s edition of NHL Predictions, we’ll take a look at four games. Today’s featured game is the battle of the Colorado Avalanche vs. Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Maple Leafs
The first game of Wednesday’s NHL action is the tilt between the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The improved Maple Leafs host the red-hot Avalanche at Scotiabank Arena.
Under the new Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, the Maple Leafs have won four of their first five games, forgetting their six-game losing skid to end Mike Babcock´s tenure as Toronto’s coach.
The Avalanche, on the other side, are far from being disappointed with the work of their head coach Jared Bednar.
In their last game on Saturday, the Avalanche welcomed back Mikko Rantanen, who recorded four points in a 7-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Colorado is 8-3-0 in their last 11 decision. However, they will face some adversity tonight, still missing important parts like Gabriel Landeskog, Andre Burakovsky, or Erik Johnson.
They have already played one game almost two weeks ago at the Pepsi Center in Colorado. The Maple Leafs won 5-3 on that night. Nevertheless, the Avs are 7-1-1 in their last nine visits to Toronto, having won three straight contests in regulation. The Maple Leafs played the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, meaning they had to travel overnight and play back-to-back. The Leafs fans don’t have to be reminded how poorly Toronto fares in the second game of back-to-back situation. They won their first second game of the back-to-back on Saturday against Buffalo, in overtime. The Leafs lost their first six such contests.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3 in overtime.
St. Louis Blues vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Blues 1-0 Penguins
It’s another edition of the battle between the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins to end their head-to-head regular-season series. The Blues beat the Pens at home on Saturday. On Monday, the Blues continued their fine form with shutting out the Blackhawks in Chicago. St. Louis has won four straight games, firmly occupying the top spot in the Western Conference with 42 points.
On the other hand, the Penguins have lost two straight games. Closing out the pre-thanksgiving action with an impressive recovery from a third-period three-goal deficit to down the Canucks 8-6 at home, the Pens have lost in Columbus and St. Louis with a combined score of 4-10. On Wednesday night, they will hope to rebound. The Blues are 6-0-1 in their last seven visits to Pittsburgh. It should be a thrilling matchup tonight.
Prediction: Penguins win 3-2 in overtime.
Ottawa Senators vs. Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-0 Oilers
We move west in our NHL Prediction for Wednesday, as the Edmonton Oilers host the Ottawa Senators at Rogers Place in all-Canadian battle. The Senators, who ended up November with eight wins, started to shape up and climb in the Eastern Conference standings. However, following a great run featuring a three-game win streak, the Sens have lost four straight with scoring only four goals total ahead of visiting Vancouver on Tuesday.
While Ottawa struggles in the offensive zone, the Oilers possess the deadly duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who are the only players in the NHL with at least 50 points. The Oilers have won seven of their most recent 12 games, which secures them a comfortable lead in the Pacific Division with 37 points. They snapped their short two-game losing skid on Sunday, beating the Canucks in Vancouver. The Senators have won five straight in Edmonton, 10 of their last 11 visits to Edmonton.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Final NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs. Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-0 Kings
We conclude our NHL Predictions for Wednesday, December 4th in California, where the Los Angeles Kings host the Washington Capitals. The Capitals seem to constantly switch the top spot in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. Nevertheless, the Caps lead the Metropolitan Division. Visiting Los Angeles is not going to be an easy go for Washington.
The Capitals played last night in San Jose facing the red-hot Sharks. Inside the Western Conference, the Kings are one of the best home teams with 19 points from their 24 point-total obtained at Staples Center. The Kings are 7-1-1 in their last nine home games. However, the Capitals are the best road team in the Eastern Conference. Last February, the Caps escaped the Staples Center with a 3-2 win. Before that win, the Kings won eight straight home meetings with the Caps. Expect a tight game late on Wednesday.
Prediction: Kings win 4-2.
Main Photo:
