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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions: December 14th with Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: New York 0-1 Colorado
Both of these teams have been on absolute fire as of late. Despite the Rangers losing to Nashville on Sunday, they have been just ahead of the pace of what Colorado is performing at. To put it into perspective, Colorado has the worst record in the last 10 with a 7-2-1 mark.
Igor Shesterkin is unlikely to play in tonight’s game. Even with saying that, this game should have plenty of shots on goal and could be a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: Colorado wins 3-2
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Columbus 1-0 Vancouver
Columbus picked up the first win in this two-game season series, but Vancouver was a much different team at that time. Vancouver still had Travis Green at the helm and looked to be floundering. This no longer seems to be the case under new head coach Bruce Boudreau, as Vancouver is currently on a four-game winning streak, bringing their season record to 12-15-2.
As for the visitors, Columbus comes to town after beating the Seattle Kraken in overtime in their last game in what could be considered an unconvincing win. Top netminder Elvis Merzlikins hasn’t been as sharp as of late, but he certainly isn’t one to sleep on. On that point, Vancouver’s Thatcher Demko went 4-0-0 last week with a 1.20 GAA and a .962 save percentage to go with his one shutout.
This could very well be a case of what goaltender plays better.
Prediction: Columbus wins 3-1
Seattle Kraken vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Seattle 0-0 San Jose
This is the first meeting of the season for San Jose and Seattle, but don’t get too excited. This may sound a bit harsh, but this game isn’t likely to excite any neutrals. Neither teams are in the top half of the NHL for scoring with Seattle at 2.85 goals-per-game (18th) and San Jose at 2.68 (23rd). On top of that, neither are great at keeping the opposition from scoring either.
Prediction: San Jose wins 4-2
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Toronto 0-0 Edmonton
There is a lot to be excited about for the feature game of the night. Toronto has been fantastic this season, going 7-2-1 in the last 10 and 19-8-2 this season. And while Edmonton has lost their last five games in a row, they can still light nearly any team up for five or more goals on a good night.
In a game that has Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Auston Matthews, this is easy to see as a who scores the last goal type of game. The defining note of this game is whether or not Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell can withstand the onslaught of the Edmonton offence.
Prediction: Edmonton wins 4-3
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