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 Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out our other two sets of predictions too.
NHL Predictions with Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins
Seattle Kraken vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0 – 0 Senators
This is the first-ever matchup between these two franchises. Unfortunately, it will be a battle for the bottom of the standings, rather than a playoff race. The Seattle Kraken have had a relatively difficult first year. They haven’t played overly poorly. However, their goaltending has been atrocious. They signed Philipp Grubauer to a long contract this offseason and he has been one of the worst goalies in the league. The Kraken will be hoping this is just a one-off bad season and build from here.
The Senators are coming off of a very embarrassing road trip in which the only redeemable game was the final one. They are desperate for points, as this was supposed to be the year they took another step forward. Instead, injuries, COVID, bad luck, and poor play have plagued them. This is the first home game they are allowed to have more than 50% capacity in over two years though so look for a home crowd to give some spark.
Prediction: Senators win 4-3.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0 – 0 Bruins
This is the first meeting between these to this season, with the second coming just five days later. However, these two Original Six franchises are at different places currently. The Blackhawks season has been a struggle. Poor defensive play and a lack of offence has held this team back. Things have improved since a Head Coach switch, but the roster just isn’t good enough. That being said, they have enough talent to play spoiler and that is what they will want to do tonight. There will always be history between these cores as long as the main pieces are still there from the 2013 Cup Final. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand. You know the Hawks will be motivated to steal two points.
The Bruins have climbed back into the Atlantic playoff race. They are now five points back of the Maple Leafs for third. While this is still a decent chunk, it’s much closer than the double digits they were at one point. Getting two points against a team that is re-tooling is crucial. Jeremy Swayman is really starting to establish himself as a number one with his .927 sv%. He has been confirmed as the starter tonight which should favour the B’s.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Knights 1 – 0 Sabres
The return of Jack Eichel to Buffalo is tonight. It works out well enough that he was healthy enough to make his return to the team that drafted him in 2015. However, it will be interesting to see the reaction of the fans tonight too. It wasn’t Eichel’s fault the team sucked, but he did force his way out. However, with the Golden Knights, Eichel is having a wonderful start. Seven points in 10 games is a good start and he is likely to only get more comfortable from here. The Golden Knights have been riddled with injuries so far this season. A team most thought would be playoff locks are still in a battle. Two points against a team like the Sabres is crucial.
Buffalo has been about what was expected so far this season. Despite losing Eichel, they have been tough to play against, with a lack of high-end talent. You could even argue they’ve been better than expected. Jeff Skinner has five points in his last five games, but it’s Tage Thompson as the true surprise player. 42 points in 54 games for the player who was a piece of the Ryan O’Reilly return. Look for the Sabres to be motivated tonight.
Prediction: Sabres win in overtime 5-4.
Arizona Coyotes vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 1 – 0 Leafs
The Arizona Coyotes are looking to repeat their upset of the Maple Leafs from earlier this year. Last time, it was a stellar goaltending performance in a game they were completely outplayed in. This time, maybe it’s the offence that can get it done? The Coyotes have been red hot, scoring a combined 17 goals in their last TWO games. Nick Schmaltz has 11 points in those games and 14 in his last five. Can their offence stay hot against a Toronto team that has had serious goaltending issues?
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The Leafs offence is also carrying them. Jack Campbell has gone from an All-Star hero to a questionable zero very quickly in Toronto. While many believe he will regain some sort of his older form, the 2022 year has been tough. He is among the worst goalies in all statistical categories, with Petr Mrazek not being a ton better. Regardless, the line of Michael Bunting, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner has been unstoppable. Matthews already has 43 goals in just 54 games. A truly astonishing feat, it feels like he is going to score at least once in each game and you just need to hope that is all.
Prediction: Leafs win 5-2.
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