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 New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.
NHL Predictions: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins
Head to Head: Blue Jackets 0-2 Boston Bruins
Our first game on our NHL Predictions is an eastern conference showdown. The Boston Bruins host the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a battle of the first and the worst. Not trying to be harsh, but that’s the reality.
Poor Columbus is having a year they would love to forget. Despite landing Johnny Gaudreau, the club has been a disaster. They are bad in every category imaginable, but being in the running for Connor Bedard helps.
Boston has been the best team all season long. They are at the top in every category and have the chance to clinch the Presidents Trophy. After failing to solve Jusse Saros last game, they have the chance to bounce back against the Jackets.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Blue Jackets 4-1
Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens
Head to Head: Panthers 3-0 Canadiens
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a division battle. The Florida Panthers take on the Montreal Canadiens. Both teams are in different directions, but this has the making to be a good hockey game.
Don’t laugh at Montreal. Sure they may be bad, but they compete. They’ve gone 3-2 in their last five games. Not bad for a team aiming to land Bedard.
Florida is fighting for their playoff lives. They currently are on the outside looking in. This is crunch time for Matthew Tkachuk and the Panthers. The biggest problem is they’ve lost four in a row. The team hasn’t scored more than three goals in a game and has allowed 4+ in each game. It’ll be a good way to bounce back, but will not be easy.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Canadiens 3-1
Nashville Predators vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head to Head: Predators 0-1 Penguins
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is between two teams in playoff races. The Nashville Predators continue their climb against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh currently holds a spot, whereas Nashville is only a few points out.
Nashville has closed the gap for the second wild-card spot. Very impressive as they are still without star winger Filip Forsberg. But if they want to sneak in to the big dance, Jusse Saros will have to come up large. He did against Boston the other night, finishing the game with 2.48 goals saved above expected. He is the type of player that can steal a series let alone get you into the postseason.
Pittsburgh will want to get the sour taste out of their mouths. Losing 7-4 to Detroit the other night is not ideal. However, their goaltending has been streaky. They’ll need their to be at their best as Saros is on his A game.
Prediction: Predators defeat Penguins 4-3
Philadelphia Flyers vs Ottawa Senators
Head to Head: Flyers 1-1 Senators
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is an eastern conference showdown. The Philadelphia Flyers take on the Ottawa Senators. Philadelphia does not have much left to play for, but Ottawa does.
Ottawa was cold for a moment, but they’ve gotten back on track. They are 3-2 in their last five games, with a huge win against Florida. One area that has been key for them as they rank in the top ten in power play and penalty kill. The Flyers are bad in both, making that an X-factor in this game. Ottawa is five points out making this a very important two points.
Prediction: Senators defeat Flyers 4-1
Washington Capitals vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head to Head: Capitals 1-1 Lightning
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a heavy-weight tilt. The Washington Capitals take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay has a date with Toronto is round one, but Washington is on the outside looking in.
Washington may be out of it, but Alexander Ovechkin is chasing history. He has eight points in his last five games, including five goals. Ovechkin could be a hart candidate the rate he is going. His 42 goals are first on the club, with the next best at 19.
Tampa is finally on the winning side. They’ve lost four in a row before shutting out Carolina the other night. They enter tonight in the second of a back-to-back set.
Prediction: Tampa Bay defeats Washington 5-3
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Head to Head: Rangers 1-2 Devils
Our featured game on the NHL Predictions is an old-time rivalry. The Battle of the Hudson continues. As the race heats up, the New York Rangers take on the New Jersey Devils. These two points are very important points.
Not only is the division crown within reach but these teams are separated by two points. A Rangers victory would tie the Devils for second place. These two teams are destined to face off in round one, but this may be the biggest game of the regular season.
The Rangers have been one of the hottest teams since the trade deadline. Heck, the month of March has been great for them. One player that has dominated is Mika Zibanejad. The Devils have been playing some of their worst hockey as of late. They are 2-6 in their last eight games. At this rate, it is just about building momentum and this will be the best game to do it.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Devils 4-3
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
