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 New York Islanders vs the Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions: Including New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
Seattle Kraken vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Lightning
The Seattle Kraken and Tampa Bay Lightning meet up for the first time this season in the cross-conference matchup. Seattle is coming off a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers, ending a three-game losing streak. Tampa Bay’s last game was against the Panthers, and the Lightning prevailed 4-1 in the contest. The Lightning have started December with a 4-1-0 record, while the Kraken have a 2-3-0 record this month. Despite Seattle’s surprisingly strong start to the season, their goaltending has still been questionable. Therefore, expect the Lightning’s high-powered offence to expose the Kraken’s biggest weakness.
Predictions: Lightning win 6-2
Carolina Hurricanes vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Red Wings
The Carolina Hurricanes visit the Detroit Red Wings in this contest, as the Red Wings are on a three-game losing streak on home ice. Carolina is 5-1-4, while Detroit is 5-3-2 in their last ten games. However, the Hurricanes’ smothering defensive game should have no problem handling the Red Wings’ offence. Detroit averages 29.9 shots per game which rank 25th in the league. Carolina ranks 1st, allowing only 26.2 shots per game. Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start for the Hurricane,s and Ville Husso will be between the pipes at the opposite end. Kochetkov has assumed the role of starting goalie with Frederik Andersen out due to injury. Carolina will give Detroit their fourth straight loss at home in this game.
Prediction: Carolina wins 4-1
New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-0 Bruins
Meeting for the first time this season, the Boston Bruins play host to the New York Islanders in our NHL predictions featured game of the day. Boston is returning from a west coast swing where they went 2-1-0 playing the Colorado Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, and the Vegas Golden Knights. With a 3-1 win, Boston got some retribution over former Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy after Vegas ended Boston’s consecutive home winning streak a week ago. The Islanders have been playing 500 hockey for December, seeing them slip in the Metropolitan standings. Most recently, the Islanders were shut out by divisional foe Carolina Hurricanes.
Boston has been among league leaders in nearly every stat this season, while the Islanders rank in the middle of the league for most stat categories. Last season the Islanders won two of the three meetings between the two teams. Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin is expected to start for New York, and Jeremy Swayman looks to get the nod for the Bruins. Swayman has struggled this season, most recently giving up four goals on 16 shots in a losing cause to the Arizona Coyotes.
Predictions: Islanders win 3-2
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