Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, we will take a look at the games that are happening and give our predictions for each one. This is the first of three sets of predictions tonight. Be sure to check out the other two on the site too. As well, we also offer a featured game of the day, which is a game that we think is must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Predictions: Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Islanders 3 – 0 Bruins
This is the first of three straight meetings between the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. The Islanders are showing why they are one of the best teams in the East Division, winners of two straight games. In the three previous meetings against the Sabres, the Islanders outscored the Sabres by a score of 9-3. Mathew Barzal, Oliver Wahlstrom, Anders Lee, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau lead the Islanders in offence. Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin are establishing themselves as a solid tandem. And with the way they play defence, it will be tough for the Sabres to generate much offence. And with all the turmoil going up in Buffalo right now, the Sabres are ripe for the picking.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-1
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Devils 2 – 0 Rangers
The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers have met twice so far this season with the Devils coming out on top. Both of those games were played at Madison Square Garden. This will be the first meeting at Prudential Center. Anything can happen in rivalry games. Many suspected the Rangers to beat the Devils after their first game back from COVID, but it was the Devils who were the better team with Mackenzie Blackwood standing tall. It is a different story this time with the Devils losers of three straight with a real difficulty finding the back of the net. The Rangers are a team on the rise despite not having Artemi Panarin in the lineup. It appears Alexandar Georgiev and Igor Shesterkin have gotten their acts together. Look for this one to be close.
Prediction: Devils Win 2-1
Detroit Red Wings vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1 – Hurricanes 1
The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to extend their winning streak against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. Carolina is showing why they can compete with anyone in the Central Division, especially the top teams. The Hurricanes do not get as much respect as they should. But they have a good team. Everyone talks about Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, but it is Vincent Trocheck leading the way for the Hurricanes. And surprisingly they are getting this done without Petr Mrazek. James Reimer and Alex Nedeljkovic have been carrying the load. On the other side of things, the Red Wings are at the bottom of the division. But nobody expects much out of them for a few seasons. However, if the Hurricanes take this team lightly they could find themselves on the wrong side of the win-loss column.
Prediction: Hurricanes 5-2
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Flyers 2 – 1 Penguins
The battle of Pennsylvania takes centre stage again with the Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins. After dropping the first two games of the season series, the Penguins won the most recent outing. With Sidney Crosby out of the lineup due to being on the COVID protocol list, the Penguins saw Kasperi Kapanen score two goals to lead the team to a 5-2 victory on Tuesday night. Tristan Jarry looked solid in net for Pittsburgh, while Carter Hart continues to struggle on the road for the Flyers. That is something he has to clean up going forward to be an elite goalie in the league.
On the Flyers side of things, Joel Farabee scored twice and has looked dominant against the Penguins this season scoring six points in three games. Look for him to continue his scoring streak against Pittsburgh on Thursday night. And while Bryan Rust is always a threat to score, the Penguins need more from Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel especially with Crosby out of the lineup. With Pittsburgh and Philadelphia tied at 25 points each, this is a big game in terms of the standings in the East division. And with the Penguins 8-1 on home ice, look for the Penguins to take this one.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-3
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