Welcome back to NHL Predictions, April 25th edition! Each day, the Last Word On Hockey team will break down every game and give our NHL predictions for each game. This is the slate of NHL Predictions for April 25th, featuring the Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Predictions Including Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Devils 1 – 2 Flyers
In the first of a four-game mini-series, the New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite being sixth and seventh in the East Division standings, the records of these teams couldn’t be further apart. With a 14-27-6, the Devils occupy the second to worst spot in the league at 34 points. On the flip side, the Flyers sit at 49 points with a record of 21-19-7. In just their fourth matchup of the season, Philadelphia should easily take New Jersey.
Prediction: Flyers win 4-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Sabres 2 – 4 Rangers
In a battle for New York, the Buffalo Sabres take on the New York Rangers. The Sabres have sat at the very bottom of the league for the majority of the season. Going on an 18-game losing streak didn’t help, but they are just one point from overtaking the New Jersey Devils in the rankings. And, after a solid showing against the Boston Bruins resulting in a 6-4 win, the Sabres are looking to continue their success. Unfortunately, they are no match for the offensive powerhouse the Rangers have developed to be. As they are just six points out of playoff contention, New York is fighting for a spot in the postseason and these two points will go a long way. The New York Rangers will defeat the Buffalo Sabres.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 3 – 4 Lightning
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning face off in their last game of the regular season, tonight. While the Blue Jackets have seemingly held their own against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions this season, their record doesn’t reflect at. At eighth in the Central Division, they stand with a 15-25-9. As for the Lightning, the previous President Trophy winners have a record of 31-14-2 putting them at third in the Central and ninth in the league. While Columbus has held its own against Tampa Bay this regular season, it won’t happen again. Defencemen Zach Werenski and forward Nick Foligno were huge contributors for the Blue Jackets in their last seven games. With Werenski out due to injury and Foligno in Toronto, there is no way the Columbus Blue Jackets overtake the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Prediction: Lightning win 5-2.
Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Bruins 4 – 2 Penguins
The Boston Bruins match up against the Pittsburgh Penguins for the seventh time this season, tonight. What could be a preview of an upcoming Stanley Cup Playoff series, this game should be very interesting. Despite the top of the East Division rankings changing daily, the four teams in playoff contention haven’t changed all that much this season. These are most likely the clubs you’ll see competing in the postseason and the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins are among them.
Their last matchup was a high-scoring affair that resulted in a 7-5 Bruins win. Brad Marchand recorded a hat trick, David Pastrnak tallied 3 points, and David Krejci posted a goal and an assist. While the Bruins’ goals came from their top lines, the Penguins showed that they had goalscorers all over their roster. Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Mark Jankowski, Cody Ceci, and Jared McCann put the Penguins on the board. While these clubs’ offence is comparable, the Bruins have the more experienced goaltender and the steadier defence. They’ll collect the two points.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-4.
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