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 Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions for the day.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-2 Maple Leafs
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has two of the older teams in the league. Detroit got off to a great start, but has faded after the All-Star Break. Alex Nedeljkovic is the projected starter, but always check social media before setting your lineup. Detroit is one of the few teams that won’t be coming off back-to-back games. The Wings have lost three of their last five games and are looking towards next season. Goal scoring has really been a problem for Detroit in the second half of the game.
Matt Murray is the projected starter in goal for the Maple Leafs, who are pretty much locked into the second spot in the Atlantic Division. Toronto has won three of its last five games and got a great win against the Ottawa Senators last time out. Toronto is hoping to get Ryan O’Reilly back soon for the stretch drive. The Leafs average around 3.5 goals per game, but the defence has also been solid despite injuries.
Toronto has been a puzzle against lesser opponents, but should win.
Predictions: Maple Leafs win 4-2.
New Jersey Devils vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Jets
The next game on NHL predictions is the New Jersey Devils taking on the Winnipeg Jets. New Jersey has pretty much sealed up the second spot in the Metropolitan Division. Vitek Vanecek has 30 wins this season and is the probable starter. New Jersey will also be coming off a back-to-back like many of the teams this weekend. However, the Devils defence can help them in a tough situation.
Connor Hellebuyck is likely to get the start for the Jets, who have won three of the last five games. The Jets have sunk into the second wild card spot and are two points ahead of the Calgary Flames for that spot. Winnipeg is sixth in goals allowed, but will need some goals in order to be a threat in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The under of 6.5 might be a reachable number, but the Devils should get this.
Prediction: Devils win 3-1.
Los Angeles Kings vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-2 Canucks
It’s a Pacific Division matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. Los Angeles will likely go with Joonas Korpisalo in goal as its playing in back-to-back games like plenty of other teams. The Kings have lost two straight games, but are only one point off second place in the division as of late Saturday night. Los Angeles has the second-best power play in the league and scored the 10th most goals.
Thatcher Demko is the probable starter for the Canucks, who have also lost two straight. Vancouver has played better since the coaching change to Rick Tocchet. However, injuries to players like Filip Hronek have depleted the lineup. Vancouver played itself out of a playoff spot, but there are some good signs for the future.
Divisional games are tough, but the Kings get by in a tight one.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3 in overtime.
Anaheim Ducks vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Ducks 1-2 Flames
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Anaheim Ducks trying to play spoiler to the Flames. Lukas Dostal is the likely starter in between the pipes for the Ducks, who lost six straight going into late Saturday’s games. Anaheim’s defence has struggled in recent games, but it has a shot at landing Bedard as well.
Calgary is likely to start Jacob Markstrom in goal as the Flames are fighting for their playoff lives. The Flames have won four of their last five games and are trying to close down the Jets for that final spot. Calgary has scored five goals in three of its last four victories.
It’s desperation time for the Flames and they should take down the Ducks.
Prediction: Flames win 5-3.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
