Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one. Breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions with Edmonton Oilers vs Boston Bruins
Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-head: Flames 0-0 Canadiens
In the first match-up of the night, we have a clash north of the border between the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens. Meeting for the first of two this season, the Flames come to town playing exceptional hockey. In their last ten games, the Flames are 7-1-2, holding onto the second in the Pacific division. On the other hand, Montreal is doing everything it can to try and stay alive.
Tonight’s game is going to be a tough one for Montreal. After all the trade rumours, Matthew Tkachuk and co. are fired up to play some hockey. As one of the top teams in the league right now, the Flames are getting it done in all situations. Not only are they getting it done at even-strength, but their special teams have been lights out as well. With a top ten power-play and penalty kill, the Flames have the whole package that a team like Montreal cannot keep up with. Without Shea Weber, Carey Price, or many more on the injured reserve list, it looks like the Canadiens struggle will continue longer than many were anticipating.
Prediction: Flames win 4-1
New York Islanders vs. New Jersey Devils
Head-to-head: Islanders 0-0 Devils
Heading into the start of the 2021-22 season, the New York Islanders were a Stanley Cup favourite. Fast forward to game number 11, and they have been disappointing, to say the least. In comparison, their defence has been great, tied for second-lowest against. Their offence has been borderline none existent. Obviously, it is early in the season, but if they keep up this trend, their playoff hopes will quickly shrink.
On the other side of the ice, the New Jersey Devils are coming off a big win against the league’s top team in the Florida Panthers, beating them 7-3. Riding high from the success, the Devils will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games. Despite missing Jack Hughes, the Devils young guys have stepped up to keep the team afloat. But will it be enough to take down a veteran-riddled squad in New York? Tonight’s game marks the first of four between these two teams. And the Devils have a long road ahead of them with their series against the Islanders.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-head: Panthers 1-0 Penguins
Believe it or not, the Florida Panthers come into this game on a losing streak, dropping their last two games to the Rangers and Devils. The last time these two played, the Penguins were without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and the game still went into overtime. Tonight’s face-off against the Penguins will be all about redemption for Florida. Hosting the Panthers, the Penguins are still missing significant pieces to their roster but could still damage.
Looking at tonight’s game, the Panthers are bound to get back to their winning ways. Even though they are going through their own injury woes with Sergei Bobrovsky and some skaters, this team has too much depth for them to drop three in a row. While the Penguins will battle back as best they can. Despite Tristan Jarry doing everything he can in the net, currently holding a .926 save percentage, they will come up short again without their veteran leaders.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3
Edmonton Oilers vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-head: Oilers 0-0 Bruins
Finally, our featured game of the night for the early set of games! In tonight’s heavyweight match-up, the Edmonton Oilers come in to play the Boston Bruins. Coming into tonight’s game, the Oilers are red hot. Despite losing their most recent game, they have been able to go 8-2 within their last ten games played. On top of that, Leon Draisaitl has been lights out in his past five games, scoring 11 points in that time. Currently sitting as a top-three team in the league, the Oilers and Connor McDavid are on a mission this season. Scoring 23 points through his first 11 games, it is astonishing to see McDavid improve each season. With Draisaitl by his side, we are watching some of the most talented hockey players ever. Once they resolve their goaltending situation, the sky’s the limit.
On the other side of the ice, the Boston Bruins want nothing more than to run over the Oilers. Not playing up to the standard we are used to, the Bruins find themselves towards the bottom of the leaderboard. With a tricky start through the first ten games, they have not played poorly. They just can’t seem to get it together. The departure of David Krejci may be more significant than we realized. Both Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman are playing decent, and the perfection line continues to produce. Yet, they do not have the depth they used to. They are still a good team and will find ways to win games as long as they stick to the “Bruins way.”
Prediction: Bruins win 4-3
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