Welcome back to Last Word on Hockey’s daily NHL Predictions series. Each day, our team publishes an article (or two) breaking down every game on the night’s schedule while offering our predictions for the final scores. Today has a relatively light slate for a Tuesday, as four early games will be broken down here. This article’s featured game is an important tilt between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0 – 2 Flyers
The Columbus Blue Jackets have continued their theme of defying expectations, rolling their way to a 30-18-12 record, 72 points, and third place in the Metropolitan Division. Their last game was a disappointing 4-3 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils in which Columbus smothered the Devils with 55 shots. While Columbus seriously struggles to put the puck in the net, they are an elite defensive squad. They’ve hit a significant snag, however, having lost their last five games. They’re being boosted by a great campaign from d-man Zach Werenski, coming up with 18 goals, 17 assists, and 35 points.
The Philadelphia Flyers haven’t enjoyed quite as much success but still find themselves in a tight divisional battle with Columbus and others. They’re only one point behind the Jackets, boasting a 32-20-7 record. They’ve beaten Columbus twice this year in late October and late November, winning 7-4 and 3-2 respectively. They continue to shop defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere, as reported in one of our latest NHL Rumours pieces. Philadelphia has had a pedestrian month, winning five out of eight games. Sean Couturier leads the team with 35 assists and 52 points and is also their best faceoff man.
This will be a hard-fought divisional battle tonight, but Columbus and their success story will overpower Philadelphia.
Prediction: Columbus wins 2-1 in a shootout.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0 – 1 Penguins
This is Last Word on Hockey’s featured game of the night.
The Leafs find themselves battling for every win they can get, compiling a 31-21-8 record and 70 points for third place in the Atlantic Division. Their last game, however, was an embarrassing 5-2 loss to the rival Buffalo Sabres. Their offence goes neck-and-neck against the league’s best, but they have significant struggles defensively. They’ve had a disappointing month of February, only winning four out of nine games. Centre Auston Matthews continues to put the team on his back, netting 42 goals and 71 points to lead the team in each category.
The Penguins have enjoyed much more success, reaching the 78-point mark with a 36-15-6 record (second in the Metropolitan Division). They’re a hot pick in NHL predictions. Their previous victory against Toronto was a 6-1 trouncing of the Leafs back on November 16th, 2019. While Pittsburgh is a good offensive team, they truly excel in terms of defensive structure and goaltending. They’ve won four out of their six February contests. Defenceman Kris Letang continues his strong year, leading skaters with 25:50 of ice time per game.
While Pittsburgh is a strong team, Toronto needs wins, and their motivation will earn them an important regulation win tonight.
Prediction: Toronto wins 3-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1 – 2 Senators
The Sabres have struggled mightily, crawling their way to a 27-24-8 record and 62 points, tying them for fifth in the Atlantic Division. Their 4-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators came all the way back on November 16th, 2019. Buffalo has recently suspended Zach Bogosian after he failed to report to Rochester of the AHL upon reassignment. The Sabres struggle offensively but are an okay team defensively. They’ve won five out of their eight games in February. Captain Jack Eichel keeps the team on his back, leading them with 33 goals, 41 assists, and 74 points.
The Senators have played as expected this year, throwing up a 20-28-11 record, 51 points, and seventh place in the Atlantic Division. They’ve won twice against Buffalo this season, 3-1 and 5-2. They recently claimed forward Jayce Hawryluk off waivers, hoping that he’ll fit in with their young system. They don’t really have any success at either end of the ice most nights. This Senators team has also dropped six out of their past eight contests. Their best player continues to be trade chip Jean-Gabriel Pageau, as he leads the squad with 22 goals, 36 points, and a +9 rating.
Ottawa’s young squad will win out over a struggling Buffalo team at home tonight.
Prediction: Ottawa wins 3-2 in overtime.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0 – 3 Red Wings
The Montreal Canadiens‘ nightmare season continues, far undershooting expectations with only a 27-26-8 record, 62 points, and sitting in a tie for fifth place in the Atlantic Division. Their last outing was a controversial 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars. Montreal is an average team offensively but really struggle in their end of the ice. They’ve dropped four straight contests after a three-game winning streak. Goalie Carey Price is doing the best he can behind a porous defence, compiling a 24-21-5 record while maintaining a .911 save percentage and 2.74 goals-against average.
The Detroit Red Wings are a hockey team. That’s about all you can say about them, as they’ve posted a 14-43-4 record and only 32 points this season. However, three of those 14 wins have all come against this Montreal team, which has to feel good. Detroit is quite terrible both offensively and defensively. Like Montreal, they’ve also dropped four straight contests. Goalie Jonathan Bernier is helping this team maintain respectability, copping a 12-17-2 record while posting a .909 save percentage and 2.88 goals-against average.
Montreal should finally be able to defeat their Motown nemesis tonight as they fight for every point they can get.
Prediction: Montreal wins 2-0.
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