Welcome back to NHL Predictions, May 29th 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 first and only slate of NHL Predictions for May 29th, featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
Series: Maple Leafs 3 – 2 Canadiens
On Thursday, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs to stay in the playoffs. They’re not out of the woods yet, though. Tonight, the Maple Leafs get another chance to close out the Canadiens.
For the Canadiens, capitalizing on the first period will be important. Last game, Montreal scored twice in the first. Though they were heavily outplayed in the third, they were still able to win in overtime thanks to the early lead they’d accrued.
On the other hand, Toronto’s top scorers will need to make bigger contributions. Auston Matthews, who scored 41 goals through 56 games during the regular season, has been held to one against the Canadiens. Mitch Marner, too, has been less productive during the playoffs. Better performances from them will greatly improve the Maple Leafs’ chances of taking the win.
Last game, the Maple Leafs came incredibly close to ending the series. Barring another hot start from Montreal, Toronto should advance to the elusive second round tonight.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win, 3-2
New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
Series: Islanders 0 – 0 Bruins
In the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Boston Bruins toppled the higher-seeded Washington Capitals in a dominant 4-1 series. The New York Islanders pulled off an even bigger upset, taking down the first-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins. Tonight, these two unlikely opponents kick off their second-round series.
In this round, the Islanders need more from their first line. Jordan Eberle, Mathew Barzal, and Leo Komarov combined for seven points – and just two goals – against the Penguins. The third line, by comparison, recorded 13 points, five of which were goals. Depth scoring was enough for the Islanders to emerge victorious from the last series, but in the long run, they can’t be relying solely on the middle six to score. Against Boston, whose own “Perfection Line” has been a potent offensive threat, the first line needs to contribute.
It will be important for the Bruins to start this series on the right foot. In their last game, Boston was heavily outshot by Washington. They also allowed nine high-danger chances. Although Tuukka Rask stood strong in the net to seal the victory, the Bruins can’t continue to give up so many opportunities in this series. Although the Islanders may not be known for their offence, they will capitalize on any chances Boston gives them. But if the Bruins show more discipline on defence, it’s likely that they’ll walk away with the win tonight.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
