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 Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for Monday.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-1 Panthers
It’s an early-afternoon faceoff for the Anaheim Ducks and the Florida Panthers. The Ducks will be playing back-to-back games with this one being the first. John Gibson is penciled in as the current starter, but always check social media before setting your fantasy lineup. Anaheim has lost four straight games and are having a rough season. The Ducks are 31st in goals scored and 32nd in goals allowed.
Florida will likely go with Sergei Bobrovsky in goal for this matinee game. The Panthers have lost three of their last five games and the defence has struggled in recent weeks. Carter Verhaeghe has 29 goals and leads the third-ranked offence in the league. However, Florida is 28th in goals allowed.
The Panthers should take this one, but also pay attention to the over/under total of seven. It’s a high number, but worth a look.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3.
Ottawa Senators vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Senators 2-0 Bruins
Our featured game for NHL Predictions has the Senators looking to get their third of the season over the Bruins. However, Kevin Mandolese will have to get the call in goal with back-to-back games. The Senators have won three games in their last five, including a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Ottawa’s power play is third in the NHL at 26.1 percent. The Senators penalty kill is eighth in the league with 81.4 percent effectiveness. Ottawa’s may look lineup after a Sunday trade.
Jeremy Swayman will probably get the call in goal for Boston. The Bruins have won four of their last five games and the top-ranked defence has looked great in those wins. Boston’s defence hasn’t given up more than two goals in those last five games. David Pastrnak is one away from 40 goals and leads in assists with 36. The Bruins offence is ranked second in the league and has the best penalty kill.
The Bruins should finally break through and get past the Senators for the first time.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.
Seattle Kraken vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Sharks
It’s a Pacific Division matchup with the Seattle Kraken vs the San Jose Sharks. The first game was a wild one with the Kraken winning, 8-5. Seattle has won three of its last five games and are within reach of the Pacific Division lead. Philipp Grubauer is currently listed as the starter in goal for the Kraken. Seattle may actually be a player at the trade deadline.
James Reimer is the confirmed starter in between the pipes for the Sharks. San Jose has lost four of its last five games and may be a seller. Timo Meier leads the Sharks in goals with 31 while Erik Karlsson leads in assists with 56. San Jose is 29th in goals allowed and 22nd in goals for.
Seattle should get the win in this one thanks to its offence.
Prediction: Sharks win 4-1.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0- 1 Flames
Our final game of NHL Predictions has the Philadelphia Flyers visiting the Calgary Flames. The Flyers have lost four straight games and will likely go with Carter Hart in goal. Philadelphia will be playing back-to-back games, so that situation may change in net. The Flyers are 26th in goals scored and 20th in goals allowed.
Jacob Markstrom is slated to start in goal for the Flames, who are two points off the final Wild Card spot in the West. Calgary did get a key overtime win against the New York Rangers in their last outing. The Flames had lost three of their last four before that victory. Calgary is 15th in goals against and 16th in goals scored.
The Flames need points and should get those two in this one.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
