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 San Jose Sharks vs Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions with San Jose Sharks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Buffalo Sabres vs Detroit Red Wings
Sabres 1 – 0 Red Wings
Both teams are much improved this season and are showing promise. The Buffalo Sabres have lost three of five, but there’s some hope. Buffalo did blast the Detroit Red Wings, 8-3, in the first meeting of the season.
Detroit had its winning streak snapped last time out by the Leafs, 4-2. However, holds one of the wild card spots going into tonight’s game. Dylan Larkin has grabbed the reigns as team leader as he tops in goals and assists.
This should be a fun game between two of the more promising teams. Detroit should get the win at home.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-3.
New York Rangers vs Ottawa Senators
Rangers 0-0 Senators
The New York Rangers have struggled to hold leads against quality opponents this season. Their shooting percentage has gone down from last season and Igor Shesterkin hasn’t been as lights out as he was last season. However, this is still a good team that can turn things around quickly.
The Ottawa Senators have played better since Thomas Chabot returned to the lineup. Two straight wins for Ottawa have gotten them in the right direction. Both teams are middle of the pack in goals for and goals against.
The Rangers realize this is a chance to get on track. Also, throw a prop bet on Mika Zibanejad scoring on his former team if you’re up for it.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Sharks 1-0 Leafs
Tonight’s NHL predictions featured game is the final encounter of the season between the two clubs. San Jose got the overtime win, 4-3, in the first meeting out west. However, the Leafs have been flying the last few games in large part to Mitch Marner, who is on an impressive 17-game point streak. William Nylander and John Tavares have also played well during Toronto’s four-game winning run.
The Sharks have gotten a rebirth year from Erik Karlsson, who has increased his trade value immensely. James Reimer is out and that causes a big hole in net for San Jose. Aaron Dell and Kaapo Kahkonen will have to share the load while Reimer is on injured reserve. The Sharks did blank the Montreal Canadiens last time out.
Toronto is starting to play like a contender again, but know it can’t slip up. Also, bet on Marner to tie the franchise point-streak record.
Prediction: Leafs win 5-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks
Oilers 1-0 Blackhawks
The Edmonton Oilers are getting another Hart Trophy-like season from Connor McDavid. Edmonton’s captain has 17 goals and 22 assists to power the club. The Oilers got wins over Eastern playoff teams in the Rangers and the Florida Panthers in the last two games.
It’s going to be another long season for the Chicago Blackhawks, who are suffering through a seven-game losing streak. Chicago is dead last in goals for and has been leaking goals during this stretch. The Blackhawks have given up five goals or more in four of the last five games. The over of six should be a reachable target if Edmonton’s offence starts humming as it can.
This game doesn’t look promising for the home team. It’ll be a national television audience on American television on TNT. McDavid and the Oilers will look to put on a show.
Prediction: Oilers win 6-3
Stick around for tomorrow’s round of NHL Predictions.
