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 Washington Capitals.
NHL Predictions With Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals
Vancouver Canucks vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Devils
It’s a Hughes family reunion as Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes takes on New Jersey’s Jack Hughes. The Canucks are coming off a 5-2 victory over a strong New York Rangers team on Sunday. Thatcher Demko got the start, so Jaroslav Halak may get the call with games on back-to-back nights. Vancouver is only three points out of both wild card spots thanks to the amazing coach job of Bruce Boudreau.
New Jersey has lost three of its last five, including an 8-5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The goals have been there in recent games, but the defence has also struggled. New Jersey 26th in goals against with 187. Betting the over would likely be the safe play in this. Some have the game at 6.0 or 6.5. Nico Daws could draw the start since MacKenzie Blackwood is out for the foreseeable future.
The Canucks have been rolling as of late and that should continue.
Prediction: Canucks win 5-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Capitals
Anyone who bet the over in Toronto’s 10-7 win over the Detroit Red Wings came away with a few extra bucks. Mitch Marner scored four goals in the game for his first game of three or more goals. However, there are concerns about Jack Campbell regressing in goal. Petr Mrazek could draw the start after the wild win on Saturday. The Leafs are still top 10 in goals against despite their last showing.
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Ilya Samsonov seems to be alright from his injury scare and likely starts in goal. Washington has lost two straight and only scored one goal in those two defeats. Alex Ovechkin continues to defy time with 32 goals to lead the team. The Capitals usually potent power play is shockingly 28th in the league with a 16.1-percent success rate.
Both teams have some things to fix, but the Caps seem due for a bounceback in this spot. The over/under of 6.5 is tempting proposition considering the Leafs’ latest goal-scoring binge.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-3 in overtime.
Boston Bruins vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Kings
Both teams are coming in hot with the Bruins winning four in a row and the Kings on a five-game streak. The veteran Boston defence hasn’t given up more than two goals a game in any of those wins. Jeremy Swayman likely gets the start and has played well in recent games. David Pastrnak leads the team in goals and is head of a dangerous power play that’s eighth at 23.7 percent. The B’s are 7-2-1 in their last 10 against Western Conference teams.
Los Angeles is putting things together with a solid mix of younger players and veterans like Dustin Brown and Drew Doughty. Adrian Kempe is leading in goals with 25 while Anze Kopitar has 35 assists. Cal Petersen isn’t confirmed, but likely gets the start here if you need a daily fantasy goalie. The Kings have struggled against the Bruins with a 2-5 record in their last seven meetings. Road teams have also won five of the last six meetings in the series.
The over/under number of 5.5 according to MGM may be one you want to avoid. However, Boston seems like the smart play in this game.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
