Welcome to another day of NHL Predictions! Each day, the 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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Winnipeg Jets. Be sure to check out the late-game article for NHL predictions today too.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 2-2 Jets
These teams are fighting it out for supremacy in the North Division, where Toronto holds a one-point led. The Leafs do have a game in hand, but a Jets victory puts them into first place. This is the first of back-to-back games at the MTS Centre, as the Jets host the Leafs for the first time this season. These two offences are two of the best in the league with Winnipeg in third and Toronto in sixth, respectively, in goals scored.
Jack Campbell likely gets the start for Toronto as Frederik Andersen is still out with an injury. Connor Hellebuyck is the likely starter for Winnipeg in this one. All but one of the games has been decided by two or fewer goals.
Campbell is the hot hand and the Leafs are smarting after a loss to the Edmonton Oilers. This will be another close one, but Toronto should hang on for another one-goal win.
Prediction: Leafs win 3-2.
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Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Flyers 5-1 Sabres
Buffalo had that elusive win in their hands, but Philadelphia rallied from three goals down to steal a 4-3 overtime victory. Ivan Provorov‘s goal 42 seconds into the extra session saved the Flyers from an embarrassing setback to the Sabres. It’s hard to believe Buffalo pounded Philadelphia 6-1 in the first meeting of the season.
Linus Ullmark should get the call again for Buffalo while Brian Elliott gets the start again with Alex Lyon backing him up. Carter Hart is still benched for this game due his recent struggles.
Both teams are near the bottom of the league in goals allow, but Philadelphia should pull this out after its flirtation with disaster. However, don’t be surprised if the Sabres do rise up and get the win here.
Prediction: Flyers win 4-3.
Arizona Coyotes vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-t0-Head: Coyotes 2-4 Avalanche
Arizona has stayed in the playoff mix and is sniffing around that last spot in the West. The Coyotes did get a shootout win in the last meeting between the two clubs on March 23rd. Arizona is currently on a three-game winning streak.
Colorado is still trying to keep pace with the Vegas Golden Knights and won three of its last five. Mikko Rantanen reached the 20-goal mark and Philipp Grubauer had an easy night in net.
This game will be worth staying up for, but the Avs should have just enough to get past the Coyotes.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
