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 Florida Panthers.
NHL Predictions With Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Colorado Avalanche vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1 – 0 Penguins
The Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins are facing each other for the second time in the last three days. With the season entering its final weeks, this should be a really interesting match. Both are playoff teams, close to clinching their spots. And their last game was a really close one, ending in a 3-2 win at home for Colorado. Now, what can be guaranteed is that the Penguins will make it a fun game to split the season’s series.
The Avalanche is shorthanded without Nazem Kadri and Gabriel Landeskog, but that doesn’t mean things will be easy for the Penguins. The good news is that their young defenceman Bowen Byram will join the road trip after missing the majority of the season. However, it’s unclear whether he’ll dress against Pittsburgh.
The Penguins are also shorthanded, without Jason Zucker and Brock McGinn. Zucker returned from injured reserve on March 31 but got injured again and will be a scratch. And McGinn is getting closer but no timetable for a return yet.
With both teams trying to clinch their playoff spots, this will be a really balanced game. Both teams are very skilled and have great goaltending, but this time the Avs will take it in overtime.
Prediction: Avalanche win, 3-2 (OT)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1 – 0 Panthers
Coming fresh from a 6-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, the Maple Leafs are on a roll. They’ve won their last five games – including a 5-2 win against the Panthers on March 27. Auston Matthews keeps scoring like a machine. Things are looking good for the Leafs right now. But the Panthers are well-rested since their last game on Sunday – an easy 5-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres.
This is also an interesting game, as the Leafs are looking to clinch their playoff spot. The Panthers did so on Sunday but that doesn’t mean they will make Toronto’s life easy. If anything, this could be a good preview of a future playoff series against those two teams.
Now, even though the Leafs are coming from a winning streak, the back-to-back games could be a disadvantage. And that’s why the Panthers should get a close win tonight.
Prediction: Panthers win, 4-3
Minnesota Wild vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Wild 0 – 2 Predators
Another possible playoff match will be on tonight in Nashville. And this should be an intense one. It’s the last game of the season’s series and the Wild haven’t won a single game against the Predators. This is their chance to push back. Nashville is on the Wild Card for the Western Conference tie with Vegas, while Minnesota is high up in second place in the Central Division. If Nashville wants to guarantee themselves and keep their spot for the playoffs, they’ll need to win this one – and keep winning.
This game has everything to be a high-scoring one with a lot of intensity and animosity. But again, the Predators will come out as the winning part tonight!
Prediction: Predators win, 4-2
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
