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 Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions with Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-3 Maple Leafs
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Leafs have won the prior three matchups this season. While the Red Wings have shown huge signs of improvement, with youngsters Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond leading the way, they will find it tough to avoid the season sweep. Look for the Leafs to continue to score at will in this one.
Predictions: Leafs win 4-3
Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-1 Bruins
Both the Panthers and Bruins have impressed this season, albeit at many different levels. The Panthers have ridden the strongest season yet from Jonathan Huberdeau to go with some seriously impressive depth in scoring. For the Bruins, there have been bright spots in the form of Jeremy Swayman and David Pastrnak. Despite how well they have played this season, the Bruins likely won’t be able to slow down the freight train that is the Florida offence.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3
New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Devils 0-2 Senators
This is a battle of bottom dwellers this season. For the Devils, this has been a season to forget, to put it lightly. Their goaltending situation has been nightmarish, which obviously explains why they are allowing 3.62 goals per game (29th). Pair that with the fact that the Senators have been scoring quite well as of late, and you have a recipe for Brady Tkachuk to continue to bolster his point tally.
Prediction: Senators win 4-2
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-1 Lightning
While it shouldn’t be said that this is a straightforward prediction, it is pretty darn close. The Blue Jackets have been mostly decent this season, showing their age in most of their poor performances. As for the Lightning, they have continued right where they left off, scoring in heaps and playing staunch defence. If Columbus can find their scoring touch, this could be an interesting game to watch. That being said, the Lightning should still come away with two points.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2
Edmonton Oilers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Penguins
This will be a fun game to watch, even if it is purely for the sake of seeing all the big names on the ice. The Oilers have continued to show the fact that they rely immensely on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, much to no one’s surprise. For the Penguins, they have seen the ageless play from Sidney Crosby, continued offensive prowess from Jake Guentzel, and a breakout season respectively from depth forward Danton Heinen, who has accounted for 32 points in 74 games, good for nearly one-fifth of his career total.
This is going to be a tight affair, with goaltending being the difference-maker.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-3
New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-2 Capitals
Prior to the start of the season, many would have seen this as two playoff teams squaring off just before their hunt for the Stanley Cup. While the Capitals have lived up to expectations, the Islanders have fallen well short, sitting just above .500 on the season and fifth in the Metropolitan Division. This one should go easily in favour of the Capitals.
Predictions: Capitals win 4-2
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2-1 Rangers
For the featured matchup of the day, we have the Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers. This has undoubtedly been one of the hardest predictions of the season. Each one of their meetings has provided plenty of excitement, with two being barn burners and one being a defensive battle. Look for the fourth, and final, meeting to provide much of the same in the way of excitement.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2
Main photo:
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