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 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers vs New Jersey Devils
Head to Head: Flyers 1-1 Devils
The first game on our NHL Predictions is a Metropolitan Division rivalry game. It is the third meeting between the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils. Philadelphia took the first meeting, but the Devils took the next as both games were in Flyers country. The rivalry heads down to The Rock, which could make for a great atmosphere.
The Flyers have been in the basement of the conference and division. However, they have played the Devils well, and the games have been tightly contested. The Devils still remain at the top of the division, but they have lost their last three games after going on a historic pace of winning. New Jersey will look to right the ship against the lowly Flyers. One player standing in their way is goaltender Carter Hart. He’s 1-1 against the Devils, posting a 2.55 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. It isn’t likely, but if the Flyers secure the win, it is because of him.
Prediction: Devils defeat Flyers 4-2
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Florida Panthers
Head to Head: Penguins 0-0 Panthers
This ought to be a good one. The Pittsburgh Penguins March south to take on the Florida Panthers. Florida lags in the Atlantic Division, whereas the Penguins are tied for second place in the ruthless Metropolitan Division.
This game is littered with dynamic duos that have depth right behind them. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are ageless wonders, while Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov are the young bucks. It’s awesome to see Kris Letang back on the ice as well.
The X Factor for this game is goaltending. Tristan Jarry has played as expected. But the one thing that can make or break the Panthers is goaltending. Spencer Knight has been awesome, but if Sergei Bobrovsky sees the crease, he will need to play better than his .889 save percentage and -2.1 gsax. If not, the Penguin’s offence will have its way with them.
Prediction: Penguins defeat Panthers 5-3
Seattle Kraken vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Kraken 0-1 Hurricanes
This is the second of two meetings between the Seattle Kraken and Carolina Hurricanes. Carolina got the better of them in a lopsided 5-1 score. Things have changed since the teams last met, making this a better matchup.
Seattle is fourth in the west and second in the Pacific, and Carolina is the same way just in the east. Despite being a good team, Seattle is on a skid at 1-4. Carolina is a good team on home ice and is riding high at 3-1 in its last four games.
Plenty to watch and enjoy tonight with Matty Beniers, Andre Burakovsky, Sebastian Aho, and Martin Necas. Goals could come plentiful, but it will be a closer matchup.
Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Kraken 4-3
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers
Head to Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Rangers
Tonights featured matchup on the NHL Predictions heads on down to broadway. The Toronto Maple Leafs head to Manhattan to take on the New York Rangers. Both teams are playing good hockey. Toronto is right on the heels of the Boston Bruins, whereas the Rangers have gotten out of their skid and have won four games in a row.
The highlight coming into the game is Toronto Maple Leafs Star Forward Mitch Marner. Arguably the team’s MVP right now, he is still riding his historic pace having points in 23 straight games. In addition to him, the top six of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Michael Bunting are firing on all cylinders. New York will have to tighten things up in order to slow them down.
Aside from the stars on both teams, the lights that will shine the brightest are in the crease. We all know about Igor Shesterkin and his level of play. He has a 2.52 GAA and a .916 save percentage while also rocking a 7.9 GSAX. In addition, it’s the Toronto goalies who are playing elite hockey. Yes, you read that right the Leafa goalies. Both Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov are capable of stealing wins. Both rank in the top ten in GSAX (Murray 7.8, Samsonov (10.2). Whoever is in net is capable of securing wins for either squad and will he great to watch from that standpoint.
Prediction: Maple Leafs defeat Rangers 3-1
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