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 Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions: Detroit Red Wings vs Boston Bruins
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head to Head: Flyers 0-1 Penguins
Our first game is a big rivalry. The Philadelphia Flyers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the wake of firing Chuck Fletcher, the team gets to play their biggest rival.
Pittsburgh is looking to right the ship. With two points on the line every game, blowing a lead to the New York Islanders was not ideal. Biggest problem is keeping the puck out of the net. The Penguins have allowed four goals in each of their last four games. That should change against the Flyers who struggle to score.
Prediction: Penguins defeat Flyers 4-2
New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres
Head to Head: Rangers 0-0 Sabres
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a New York showdown. The New York Rangers and Patrick Kane take on the Buffalo Sabres. It is a homecoming for Kane as be is a Buffalo native. New York has gone 1-1 on their four-game road trip as it continues.
Buffalo is coming off a brutal 10-4 loss to the Dallas Stars. They are in the thick of things so every two points matter. Kane finally got his first as a Ranger and the monkey is now off his back. The key to this game will be keeping things at 5v5. The Sabres (4th) and Rangers (7th) have some of the best power plays in the league. But with Igor Shesterkin in net, the edge also goes to the Rangers.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Sabres 3-2
Arizona Coyotes vs Colorado Avalanche
Head to Head: Coyotes 1-0 Avalanche
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a Central Division showdown. The Arizona Coyotes take on the Colorado Avalanche. Arizona is headed for the lottery whereas the Avalanche are fighting for seeding for the playoffs.
However, the Avalanche have struggled as of late going 1-4 in their last five games. Not ideal given the playoff circumstances. Going up against an Arizona team that traded their two best defenseman is a good place to start. Despite Arizona winning their last two games, Colorado at home helps them win.
Prediction: Avalanche defeat Coyotes 5-1
Detroit Red Wings vs Boston Bruins
Head to Head: Red Wings 0-1 Bruins
Our featured game on the NHL Predictions is an original six-matchup. The Detroit Red Wings take on the Boston Bruins. This is the first game between the two since the trade. In addition, this is also the first of a home-and-home set between the two clubs.
Detroit has been slumping as of late going 1-6 in their last seven. It is a safe bet they are out of the race this year, but are still a competitive bunch. The biggest win was locking up captain Dylan Larkin.
On the other side is the Bruins who appear destined to win the cup. They’ve looked great since the deadline and so has former Red Wing, Tyler Bertuzzi.
After a crushing loss the the Edmonton Oilers Thursday, they look to get back in the win column. Linus Ullmark should get the start and with him in net anything is possible.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Red Wings 4-1
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
