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 Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-2 Jets
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Nashville Predators taking on the Winnipeg Jets in a pivotal Western Conference matchup. Juuse Saros is the confirmed starter in goal for the Predators, who have won three of the last five. Nashville was supposed to be playing out the string, but the young players have been giving everything they can. The Predators may not make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, it won’t be for a lack of effort.
Connor Hellebuyck gets the start in goal for a Winnipeg team that’s level with the Calgary Flames on points a point ahead of Nashville. The Jets have have lost three of the last give games. Winnipeg’s offence has been hit-and-miss in the second half. The Jets have scored a goal or less in each of the three setbacks. However, Winnipeg can show solid offence at times.
This is one is a tough one to call and a great goalie matchup. However, the Jets should win this.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-1 Capitals
It’s another key matchup with post-season implications has the Florida Panthers taking on the Washington Capitals. The red-hot Alex Lyon is the starter for the Panthers. Florida has won five straight games and gotten hot at the right time. The Panthers have given up two goals or less during this recent roll. Florida holds one of the wild card spots, but needs to keep on winning.
Charlie Lindgren is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking a fantasy starter in daily games. Washington is on a five-game losing streak and will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Alex Ovechkin has 42 goals and will try to add to his totals in his chase of Wayne Gretzky.
Florida is on a mission and has been great at both ends of the ice.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-1.
Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 2-1 Maple Leafs
Our featured game of NHL predictions is one of the oldest rivalries in the league. Montreal stopped its losing streak in its last time out with a victory over Washington. The Canadiens have played the Maple Leafs well, but are pretty much playing with a number of players from Laval of the AHL. Samuel Montembeault has been good in portions of the season and can give Montreal a chance to win.
The Leafs likely go with Ilya Samsonov in net as its just waiting for the playoffs to start. Toronto has lost three of its last five games and head coach Sheldon Keefe has been tinkering with the lineup. The Leafs are facing the pressure of getting out of the first round and the Canadiens would love nothing more than to win the season series.
Montreal will play a tough game, but Toronto will have just enough to win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-3.
New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-1 Blue Jackets
The New York Rangers look to try to keep its faint hopes of second in the Metropolitan Division alive against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Igor Shesterkin is the likely starter for the Blueshirts. New York is coming off a surprising loss to the St. Louis Blues the last time out. The Rangers do have losses in three of the last five.
Michael Hutchinson is the confirmed starter for the Blue Jackets, who are in the mix for Connor Bedard. Columbus has lost four of its last five games. The Jackets have scored two or less goals in each of the losses.
New York should be motivated after the surprising loss and pick up the win.
Predictions: Rangers win 5-1.
Tampa Bay Lighting vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-1 Senators
The last game of NHL predictions has the Tampa Bay Lightning versus Ottawa Senators. Brian Elliott will likely get the start for the Lightning, who have lost two straight. Tampa is hoping to make sure no one gets hurt before starting the series with Toronto.
Cam Talbot is the likely starter for Ottawa, which has lost four straight games. The Senators had some good stretches, but will miss the post-season again.
We don’t know what lineup Tampa will trot out, but it should get the victory.
Prediction: Lighting win 4-2.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
