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 much-watch TV. Today’s NHL Predictions featured game is the Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions: Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head to Head: Senators 0 – 0 Maple Leafs
The battle of Ontario begins, and this game should be entertaining.
Big Mike. Big Celly 😤 pic.twitter.com/HmwVAPwUp5
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 13, 2022
Although the Leafs have looked fairly good, but have also struggled in a way. They chalked up an embarrassing loss to the Montreal Canadiens but battled back for a win on Thursday night to put their record at 1-1-0. The Senators just got pushed around by the Buffalo Sabres and Craig Anderson, in an embarrassing 4-1 loss to start the season.
Although this game seems like a pretty easy takedown for the Leafs, this game could be a pretty entertaining match considering the Leafs’ track record. Ottawa is a young team and will be hungry for a win.
Prediction: Senators win 3-2
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins
In most years this game would look to see the Tampa Bay Lightning as favourites, but recently, that’s hard to guarantee. The Lightning are coming fresh off of a 5-2 win and they are starting to show remnants of the Lightning that went to three straight finals. However, the loss of depth over the offseason remains a concern.
Although, this Penguins team is also only a few days removed from their last victory against the Arizona Coyotes, and they look pretty solid as well.
Overall, the Lightning are the better team in this scenario. Although they just came off of a long playoff run, it looks like that hasn’t put too much wear on them all things considered.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-1
Anaheim Ducks vs New York Islanders
The Anaheim Ducks square off against the New York Islanders, in an interesting early season bout. The Ducks looked impressive in the preseason, and they notched an opening-day overtime win.
The youngsters have gone off for the ducks so far, and they will most likely have an effect in this game as well. For the Islanders, they’ve started off their season as expected, and don’t look to be making a step forward outside of getting Matthew Barzal locked up long-term, and bringing in Alexander Romanov.
Overall, this should be a good game and a pretty good night for the Anaheim Ducks.
Prediction: Ducks win 2-1
