Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, we will look at the games that are happening and give our predictions for each one. There are two games today. Tonight’s featured game is the Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more NHL predictions.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series: Montreal 3-3 Toronto
In a spectacular game with fans in the arena for the first time in Canada; The Montreal Canadiens managed to force a Game 7 against the heavily favoured Toronto Maple Leafs. After jumping out to a two-goal lead halfway through the third period, Montreal was lucky to make it to overtime. Nonetheless, Canadiens young forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi was there to save the day. After Toronto defenceman Travis Dermott, the Canadiens were able to convert on the mistake.
With Kotkaniemi scoring his third goal of these playoffs, the young forward seems to have come a long way. Kotkaniemi has only played in two seasons worth of playoffs but has made the most of it. With seven goals and seven points in 15 career playoff games, Kotkaniemi must be attracted to the “big” games. Showing up when it matters most. Not to forget another young stud in Nick Suzuki, tied for third on the team in points. With it all coming down to the wire tonight, we will get a glimpse of what these guys are truly made of.
On the other side of the ice, Jack Campbell has kept his team in every single game. Despite the lack of production from Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Campbell has been there to back them up every step of the way. With a .937 save percentage and 1.77 goals against average, the former back-up is out playing Carey Price, of all people. The Maple Leafs need all hands ondeck to pull out a win tonight. Even though William Nylander and Alexander Kerfoot have stepped up in a big way, so far. If the Leafs cannot get Matthews, Marner, and Zach Hyman to contribute more, the team will find themselves out of the race before they know it.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3 in Overtime
New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
Series: Boston 1-0 New York
In front of a nearly sold-out crowd, the Boston Bruins took Game 1 from the New York Islanders in a dominating 5-2 victory. With David Pastrnak leading the charge. It was the usual cast of characters that supported him the whole way. Picking up where he left off against Washington Capitals, Pastrnak scored a hat trick to secure a Game 1 victory for the Bruins. With Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Brad Marchand adding fuel to the fire as well. The Bruins look like they did back in 2011 when they hoisted Lord Stanleys‘ Cup; if the Bruins continue with this trajectory, who knows who will be able to stop them.
Despite how good the Bruins have looked, the New York Islanders fear no one. With one of the stingiest systems in the league, every game against the Islanders is a battle. Playing extremely smart, and extremely structured, the Islanders take advantage of the other teams’ mistakes. At the same time, Boston will most likely look to get their top guys going. New York’s defensive structure may end up being too much for them. Now that Ilya Sorokin has taken over the starting position after dominating the Pittsburgh Penguins. One would imagine a short leash with such a young goaltender at such an essential time of the year.
No matter what happens if the Islanders cant beat Tuukka Rask, then none of it will matter. But, at the same time, if Anthony Beauvillier, Brock Nelson, and Josh Bailey play as they did in last season’s playoff bubble, we will be in for one exciting series in a battle for the East Division Champions.
Prediction: New York wins 4-2
