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 Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers.
NHL Predictions with Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
Calgary Flames vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Flames 0 – 0 Islanders
This game is a lopsided matchup. The Calgary Flames are a single point removed from first in the Pacific Division, whereas the New York Islanders are at rock bottom in the Metropolitan.
The Islanders are currently on a four-game losing streak. Granted, three of those losses were to strong teams. But with Ryan Pulock out with an injury and Josh Bailey and Anders Lee currently on COVID protocol, future games will be even more challenging. Though Calgary is also in a bit of a rough patch after their hot start, they have an outstanding goaltender in Jacob Markstrom and offensive threats like Johnny Gaudreau, who has five points through the last four games. As such, the Flames should take this contest.
Prediction: Flames win, 5-1
Nashville Predators vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Predators 0 – 0 Canadiens
Tonight, the struggling Montreal Canadiens will try to break their four-game losing streak against the Nashville Predators. The Predators, too, aim to get back on track—albeit not as drastically—after being shut out by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Nashville will want to get more shots on goal in this game. In each of their last six contests, they have not broken 30 shots, relying on a high shooting percentage to capitalize on the chances they did get. In the same vein, Montreal was heavily outshot on Thursday, leading to a 6-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Especially with Jake Allen out alongside Carey Price, it will be crucial for the Canadiens to give their goaltender more support. At the moment, the odds are good for a Predators win.
Prediction: Predators win, 3-2
Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0 – 1 Flyers
Though the Philadelphia Flyers lead the Boston Bruins by three points in the league standings, the two teams are surprisingly close. Keep in mind that the Flyers have played two more games than the Bruins, who enter tonight’s contest fresh off a five-day break.
In these teams’ last meeting, the Flyers came out on top. Cam Atkinson scored twice, and Joel Farabee logged a goal and an assist. They also went two-for-two on the man advantage. However, the underlying metrics favoured Boston. The Bruins led heavily in shots on goal, recording 40 to the Flyers’ 25, and dominated possession with a 62.2 percent Corsi.
Since then, the Flyers’ shooting percentage has dropped, and their power play has gone cold. By contrast, the Bruins are on a two-game win streak. On Boston’s end, Charlie McAvoy will be a player to keep an eye on. Though he is the Bruins’ top defenceman, he was also a potent offensive threat against the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens, logging two goals and three assists. For the Flyers, whether or not Kevin Hayes is available will play a significant role in the outcome of the contest. Hayes has a point in each of his two games this season but did not play Thursday.
Both teams are in very different places than they were the first time around. Tonight, a Bruins victory seems likely.
Prediction: Bruins win, 4-2
St. Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Blues 0 – 0 Stars
Central Division rivals clash as the St. Louis Blues meet the Dallas Stars for the first time this season. The Blues sit comfortably in third place, while the Stars are significantly lower at sixth.
St. Louis enters this contest having just snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over the San Jose Sharks. Jordan Kyrou has a six-game point streak—six goals and two assists. On the other hand, Dallas has been struggling to find consistency, coming in off a 7-2 blowout at the hands of the Minnesota Wild. Goaltender Anton Khudobin ended with a .731 save percentage. As such, the Blue certainly have an advantage tonight; expect a win for them.
Prediction: Blues win, 3-1
Main Photo:
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