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 Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions coming out today.
NHL Predictions: Including Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Buffalo 1-1 Bruins
Our featured game today on NHL Predictions is a matchup between the Sabres and the Bruins. The Bruins have undoubtedly been the best team in the league this season, losing just eight games in regulation and 13 overall. With just 22 games left to play, the Bruins need to win 16 to beat the record for the most number of games won in an NHL season. They just made a big trade before the deadline for Dmitry Orlov, a veteran defenceman, who adds to an already stacked blue line. It didn’t seem like the Bruins could get much better, but they did.
Unfortunately for the Bruins, they’re facing off against one of the only teams to figure out how to beat them this season. Alex Tuch had two goals, including the overtime winner, to lead the Sabres to a 4-3 victory on New Year’s Eve. However, the Sabres will likely be without two of their biggest offensive weapons. Both Tuch and defenceman Rasmus Dahlin are out with injuries at the moment, and without the two of them, it will be a tall order for the Sabres to come out on top.
Bruins defeat Sabres 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Panthers
Our second game of the day will have the Nashville Predators taking on the Florida Panthers. The Florida Panthers have been an up-and-down team this year, with their play putting them fifth in the Atlantic division. They’re currently tied in points with the Buffalo Sabres for a fighting chance at the East Wild Card spot, so a win over the Predators would help them out. With a balanced offensive effort, the Panthers had a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. The Predators made a few surprise moves ahead of the trade deadline, trading forwards Tanner Jeannot and Nino Nieddereiter and defenceman Mattias Ekholm. The Predators have turned the tables on a rebuild, and it will be interesting to see if they can leverage their picks and new pieces to success.
Panthers defeat Predators 3-2.
Ottawa Senators vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Senators 1-1 Rangers
The trade deadline has brought some big moves with big names, and the Senators and the Rangers made two of the biggest. The Rangers acquired Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Senators pulled Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes. It will be the first game for both players at their new clubs, and all eyes will be on them to see how they adjust. The Senators had a 6-1 victory over Detroit in their last game, with goals leader Tim Stützle scoring his 28th of the season. The Rangers had a 3-2 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers, with newest addition Vladimir Tarasenko scoring the game-winner. This should be a battle between two clubs trying to make it to the next level, but the Rangers should have the offensive edge.
Rangers defeat Senators 3-1.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Penguins 2-0 Lightning
The Penguins will travel south for a face-off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning have lost two games in a row, and made a splash by giving up five draft picks and defenceman Cal Foote for forward Tanner Jeannot. Jeannot will slot onto an already formidable Lightning forward group, and bring another layer of physicality to Tampa Bay’s game. The Penguins will also look a little bit different, with centre Teddy Blueger going to Vegas and bringing in centre Mikael Granlund. The Penguins are on a three-game win streak and will be looking to complete the season sweep of the Lightning in their final meeting of the season. Veteran player Sidney Crosby leads the team in both goals and assists, and with goals in his last two games, he’ll also want to stay hot against Tampa.
Penguins defeat Lightning 5-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Kraken 1-0 Red Wings
The Kraken have been one of the quietest teams in the lead-up to the trade deadline. They have a solid core that has been underrated so far this season and are currently in fourth place in an increasingly competitive Pacific division. Goaltending continues to be a challenge for Seattle, giving up at least three goals in each of their last four games. Neither Martin Jones nor Philipp Grubauer has a save percentage over .895, and it’s one of the only drawbacks for a team that could be on the cusp of being great. The Red Wings made several moves to secure their future, re-signing Jake Walman and Dylan Larkin to longer-term deals and flipping Filip Hronek to Vancouver. All signs seem to be pointing toward moving Tyler Bertuzzi, but for a team coming off of a 6-1 loss, the focus should be on one game at a time.
Kraken defeat Red Wings 3-2.
Main photo by: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
