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 for NHL Predictions is the Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Senators 0 – 0 Lightning
Welcome to our first game for NHL Predictions. Despite some Ottawa Senators injuries, the team looks to rebound and snap the two-game losing streak they are currently on. To do this, they must defeat a team that has been to three straight Stanley Cup Finals in the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning have started the year slow for their standards. Currently only 5-4-0, they sit fifth in the Atlantic. That being said, a win could put them as high as second.
Look for this Senators team to take the Lightning by surprise early. This is a much different team than in years past that was usually considered an easy two points. Alex DeBrincat is looking more comfortable as the games go on. And while Jake Sanderson is having an amazing rookie season, it is Shane Pinto that is leading the way for rookie of the year odds for Ottawa players. Nick Paul will be playing his former team tonight, keep an eye on that as a storyline as well.
Prediction: Senators win 4-3 in overtime.
Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0 – 0 Rangers
The Flyers have gotten off to a better start than almost anyone would predict. Most people had them as a team designed to be near the bottom of the Metro, and likely the league. However, they currently have a 5-2-1 record and sit third in the Metro division. They have also beaten some good teams along the way. Carter Hart has been the leading catalyst to this success. He currently boasts a 5-0-1 record with a stunning .938 save percentage.
One can’t expect those numbers to stay that high all year. However, if they are anything close to that, he would be a lock for the Vezina and in consideration for the Hart trophy. Regardless, there is still plenty of time to debate that. Tonight, Hart and the Flyers look to shut down a high-powered Rangers offence.
The Rangers currently sit second in the Metro at 5-3-2. Surprisingly, goaltending has been somewhat of an issue for them. They have 31 goals for and 31 goals against. Igor Shesterkin was off to a rough start, but has since improved his save percentage to .913. Still, that is quite a ways off the .935 he had last season. The Rangers will look to crack Hart as Shesterkin looks to regain his prior form. This could be a lower-scoring affair.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2.
It’s been a battle.
To OT we go, looking for the second point. #CARvsPHI | #FueledByPhilly pic.twitter.com/Uqus3RyDKr
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 30, 2022
Vegas Golden Knights vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Knights 0 – 0 Capitals
The Vegas Golden Knights have looked dominant to start this season. Sitting at 8-2-0 they lead their division and look as good as ever. Logan Thompson and Adin Hill have settled into the net. While the addition of Jack Eichel looks like it may pay off early in his first full season with the team. Even better? Mark Stone looks like the dominant player he has become known to be again. If his back injuries are in the past this is a scary team.
The Washington Capitals have gotten off to a bit of a slower start this season. At 5-4-0 they aren’t struggling mightily, but it is not the dominance we have become used to seeing. Alex Ovechkin is still getting his points. However, injuries are starting to hurt the team. They are still missing Nicklas Backstrom, and newly acquired Connor Brown is hurt now too. Darcy Kuemper is still adjusting to his new team and has looked shaky at times this year. They will be in tough against a Vegas team that is on a roll.
Prediction: Vegas win 4-2.
