Welcome to another day of NHL Predictions! Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at every game and gives our predictions for the score. There is also a featured game for each slate of games. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out the other two articles for the early and late games in NHL predictions today too.
NHL Predictions with Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Lightning 3 – 2 Hurricanes
A battle between two of the best teams in the league right now. Both sit atop the Central Division and are 7-3-0 and 7-2-1 in their last 10 respectively. This should be a very entertaining matchup between two teams that should have legit playoff aspirations. Tampa is looking as primed as any team has to go back-to-back this year, with their blueline, deep forward core, goaltending, and overall mix of elite players.
However, the Hurricanes are no slouches either. One of the best and deepest bluelines in the league with legit firepower upfront too. The season series between these two teams have been a must-watch at times and this should be no different. Expect a close one tonight.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3 in Overtime.
New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Islanders 2 – 4 Penguins
This slate of games is loaded with great matchups, as these are two more of the hottest teams in the league right now. The Islanders are 8-2-0 and the Penguins are 7-2-1 in their last 10. The Pens had a bad start to the season but have come alive again and now look to push for the second spot in the East Division. Tristen Jarry has been much better lately and that has been a huge help on things.
For the Islanders, it’s been the same effective defensive system. However, this season, they have been controlling the possession and shots too. That’s a great improvement and the season Semyon Varlamov is having has been crucial too. Neither of these teams will want to give up points here, but we may have a goaltending battle on our hands.
Prediction: Penguins win 2-1.
Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Predators 2 – 0 Blackhawks
These two teams haven’t played much at all yet this season, but that will change. Currently, the Predators hold the 2-0 season record, but both games went to extra time. So, it seems natural to expect a close one here too? The Predators are not the same team as a couple of years ago. Now, they’re looking to start a retool and look to the future. That being said, they are still in the playoff picture and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The Blackhawks started hot but have cooled off as of late. They still sit in the fourth playoff spot but need to fend it off from a few teams. Patrick Kane continues to dominate the scoresheet and that has been huge considering the massive injuries they have dealt with. If you told anyone the Hawks would be in a spot without Jonathan Toews or Kirby Dach, almost no one would believe you. Yet, they keep on producing and don’t look for that to change tonight either.
Predictions: Hawks win 4-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Oilers 2 – 5 Maple Leafs
This is the eighth meeting between these two teams this season and it is still the featured game of the night. So far, the Leafs have had the Oilers number. Most recently with a sweep of them out west where Toronto effectively neutralized Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in three straight games. The duo could get absolutely nothing going, which is one of the only times we can say that all year. Look for both of them to want some revenge tonight. It seems unlikely that the continued domination will continue as they are just too good.
However, the Leafs’ own Auston Matthews hasn’t scored much lately either and that will come soon enough. John Tavares has had a dreadful season so far and Toronto really needs him and William Nylander to click too. This should be a really interesting matchup against two of the better teams in the North. Both teams have shown some flaws lately, but we know the insane talent both sides possess. Toronto’s biggest question may be in goal, where Jack Campbell needs to stay healthy as Frederik Andersen is now on the IR. Regardless, look for this to be a great matchup that goes the distance.
Prediction: Leafs win 5-4 in Overtime.
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