Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks 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 New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions with the New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-head: Rangers 1-0 Maple Leafs
Tonight’s featured match-up comes to us live from Toronto, Canada. After a rough start, the Maple Leafs will face off against the New York Rangers. Meeting for the second time this season, the Rangers were able to snag game one in a 2-1 victory. When these two teams met last, Toronto was in a much different place than they are now. With the loss to the Rangers on October 18th, the Maple Leafs fell into a four-game skid starting with that. Yet, they have been able to bounce back and have been on a tear ever since. Led by William Nylander and Jack Campbell, the Maple Leafs 9-1-0 in their last ten games, the Maple Leafs have proven to everyone that they are just as good as last year. Looking to expand their win streak to five games, tonight’s formidable foe envisions a different outcome.
On the other side of the ice, the New York Rangers come to town to build upon their win streak. Currently, at four in a row, the Rangers have been nearly as good as the Maple Leafs have. Sitting one spot ahead of Toronto, tonight’s bout will have some playoff vibes to it. With the Rangers being a decent road team, 6-2-2- on the road. Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox will do everything they can to bring the Leafs to a crumble.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-4
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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-head: Lightning 0-0 Flyers
Both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Philadelphia Flyers are playing good hockey. They are meeting for the first time this season. This is bound to be a spirited battle for two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. With both teams willing and able to play against their opponent fast and hard. This is another game that will have a playoff-like feel to it. Separated by just one point in the standings, both teams know the importance of winning early during this long season.
Continuing to lead by example, Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux lead this relentless Flyers team into battle against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. With both Philadelphia netminders playing well this season, especially Carter Hart, seeming to turn it around from last year. They will have a challenging test in the Lightning. They are heading up North for a quick trip, the Lightning plan on coming home with a victory. After downing two formidable opponents in the New York Islanders and the Florida Panthers. Tampa Bay is riding high and will continue that streak into Philadelphia Thursday night.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2
Calgary Flames vs. Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-head: Flames 0-0 Sabres
After an unexpected start to the season, the Buffalo Sabres have been struggling as of late. Exceeding expectations, it was only a matter of time before the young team lost momentum with a poor record in their last ten, 4-5-1. Everything they had going at the start of the season has slipped from their hands. It doesn’t help that Victor Olofsson and Casey Mittelstadt are out with injuries. Adding insult to injury, after trading away Jack Eichel, even their return in Alex Tuch is unavailable until at least January. Yet, another bump in the road is the Buffalo Sabres Saga.
Coming into town, the Calgary Flames are looking to bounce back after a tough overtime loss. In the middle of a seven-game road trip, the Flames are looking to get back into the win category ASAP. With Elias Lindholm rounding into form and Johnny Gaudreau continuing to grow as a leader on this team. The Calgary Flames have been playing dominant hockey this season, and they plan to continue that trend tonight against the Sabres.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
