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 the Colorado Avalanche. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for the rest of the games.
NHL Predictions
Arizona Coyotes vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Lightning
The Arizona Coyotes are a surprising three-game winning streak. Arizona has wins over Toronto, Colorado and the Los Angeles Kings during the three-game stretch. However, the Coyotes still have work to do if they want to get into the Stanley Cup Playoff mix. Karel Vejmelka will likely get the call in net for the Coyotes.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off a shootout win over the New York Rangers on Thursday night. Tampa has wins in three of its last five and two in a row. Andrei Vasilevskiy will likely get the start in goal for the Lightning. Tampa Bay is seventh in goals for and goals against so far this season. Brayden Point reached the 20-goal mark in Thursday’s win.
Arizona is playing well, but it’s a tall order going to Tampa.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-2.
Minnesota Wild vs St. Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Blues
It’s first meeting of the season between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. The Wild has wins in three of their last five, but lost to the Dallas Stars in their last outing. The Wild are 21st in goals scored, but are ninth in the league in goals against. Marc-Andre Fleury will probably draw the start for Minnesota.
The Blues will likely go with Jordan Binnington in goal to counter “The Flower.” St. Louis snapped a three-game losing-streak with a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. The Blues are 20th in goals for and 26th in goals allowed this campaign. Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas provide the offence for St. Louis.
The Blues will miss Torey Krug and that could be the difference in this one.
Prediction: Wild win 3-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Avalanche
The feature game of our NHL Predictions is one that could be a measuring stick for the Maple Leafs. Toronto is coming off a puzzling loss to Arizona, but could it have been looking ahead? The Leafs had won three in a row before Thursday’s setback. Toronto’s leading goal-scorer is William Nylander with 21 goals and Mitch Marner has 28 assists. Matt Murray will likely get the call in goal for the Maple Leafs. Toronto is 10th in goals for, but its defence is fourth in goals allowed going into Friday’s action.
Colorado has lost two in a row after its most recent winning streak. The Avs gave up 11 goals in the last two games, which is surprising with their defence sitting at fifth in goals allowed. Mikko Rantanen powers the Colorado attack with 24 goals while Nathan MacKinnon leads in assists despite being injured. Alexandar Georgiev might get the call in goal, but check online before setting your line fantasy hockey lineup.
This should be a good one to wrap up the new year, but Colorado should get the edge here.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3 in a shootout.
Ottawa Senators vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Senators 1-0 Red Wings
It’s the second meeting of the season for the Ottawa Senators and the Detroit Red Wings. Their last meeting was postponed due to last week’s Christmas blizzard. Ottawa is on a two-game winning streak and has played better in recent weeks. Cam Talbot has been key to that better play and he’ll probably start in net.
The Red Wings have gotten down in their last two games, but have shown plenty of fight back. Detroit has 15 goals in its last three games and can put up goals in recent games. That’s a recent change from their 24th-ranked offence in goals for. Magnus Hellberg is the listed starter on some sites, but keep an eye on social media.
This will be an interesting game, but the Senators will scratch this one out.
Prediction: Senators win 3-2.
Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions and we hope you have a Happy and safe New Year.
