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 Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-2 Penguins
With Pittsburgh already clinched and trying to hold on to their third spot in the Metropolitan Division, this should be a fun game to watch. They’ll likely not make a big push against Columbus but if they want to avoid falling to the wild card, the Penguins will have to try and win this one. Columbus is only trying to get a win to enter the offseason on a roll and keep the morale high. Coming fresh out of a 5-2 win against Tampa, they’ll be buzzing. However, it won’t be enough to beat the Penguins!
Prediction: Penguins wins 4-3
Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-1 Sabres
In their first game against each other, the Sabres took a 6-5 win home – and it was an insane game. The Tage Thompson game-winning-goal was an absolute bonkers and all that can be said is the hockey gods wanted Buffalo to get that one. Coming from a 5-0 loss to the Bruins on Thursday, the Sabres will try their best to guarantee the win to enter the offseason on a high. But Chicago will try to do the same and extend their winning streak to three games. It’ll be a good battle and will end in overtime, with Chicago getting the win.
Prediction: Chicago wins 6-5 (OT)
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-2 Leafs
This will be a fun game to watch, as depending on what happens in this game and the Tampa-Islanders one, it can be a pre-playoff round between these two teams. In their two matchups this season, Toronto came out in the winning end but Boston didn’t go down without a fight. Entering tonight’s game, Boston is fresh out of a 5-0 win against the Sabres – but it is their second game of a back-to-back to finish the season. Toronto’s last game was on Tuesday, a shutout win against the Red Wings, which means they’ll be well-rested.
The Maple Leafs already clinched the second spot in their division, they don’t actually need this win. Boston only needs it to try and guarantee they’ll face Toronto instead of Carolina – and to gain momentum for the playoffs. This should be a light game for two teams that will start their playoff runs next week.
Even though none will be playing at full force, Toronto should take this last game of the season.
Prediction: Toronto wins, 4-3
Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Panthers 3-0 Canadiens
Florida vs. Montreal is the perfect way to end the season for the fans. It’s a “worst team against best team” game – quite literally. Montreal will finish as the 32nd team regardless of this game and Florida guaranteed the President’s trophy already. This should be fun – for Florida fans!
Predictions: Florida wins 4-0
Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 2-0 Devils
Entering the last game of the season, both teams should try to get a win to finish the season on a high. Both struggled a big deal throughout the season – including multiple injuries. But they get a chance to enter the offseason with a bit of morale to motivate their players. With that said, the Devils are on a long five-game winless streak that they’ll be looking to break. And they haven’t won any of their past games against the Wings this season. The chances are they’ll make a big push to get the win!
Predictions: New Jersey wins 5-3
Main photo:
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