Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games 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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs the Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out our other NHL predictions for today.
NHL Predictions
San Jose Sharks vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Sharks 2 – 0 Jets
The first game of NHL Predictions has the San Jose Sharks visiting the Winnipeg Jets in a game that is a must-win for the home team. If the Jets consider themselves a playoff team then they must have this game. The Sharks, led by Erik Karlsson, will look to continue this season’s dominance over the Jets.
They have already beaten the Jets twice recently by scores of 3-2 and 3-0. Winning either of those earlier games would have given the Jets some much-needed breathing room in the chase for the remaining Western Conference Wild Card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With this being the final week of the regular season, teams like the Sharks are already looking ahead to their off-season plans. The Jets, on the other hand, need this victory.
Prediction: Jets win 4-1.
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1 – 1 Rangers
This Eastern Conference clash sees two teams with completely different outlooks. The Buffalo Sabres have been on the outside edges of the playoff race most of the season. The New York Rangers, on the other hand, have consistently held third place in the Metropolitan Division. They have an outside chance to rise in the divisional standings, but it’s unlikely. Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant‘s biggest decision will be which star player to rest before next week’s first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Look for star players such as Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, or Jacob Trouba to receive less ice time than usual.
The Sabres are likely to miss the playoffs for a 12th consecutive season, but this season has provided hope for their fanbase. Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Jeff Skinner have led them to the periphery of the playoffs and are officially alive heading into the last few games of the year.
The Rangers’ indifference to this game combined with the Sabres’ desire to continue their momentum should help the visiting team.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-1.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2 – 0 Senators
This is another Eastern Conference encounter with limited playoff implications. The young Ottawa Senators showed some promise this season, but the veteran additions of Claude Giroux, and Alex DeBrincat, along with trade deadline acquisition Jakob Chychrun, still left the Sens on the outside of the playoff picture.
The Carolina Hurricanes have won both prior regular-season meetings between these teams. They are looking to lock up the first place in the Metropolitan Division. After holding the division lead for most of the season, they don’t want it to escape their grasp. That should be all the motivation they need.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1 – 2 Capitals
This divisional matchup features two teams going in opposite directions. The New York Islanders have won six of their last ten games as they try to secure one of the wild card positions in the Eastern Conference. The Washington Capitals are dealing with missing the postseason after eight consecutive years of making the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Capitals come into this contest having lost nine of their last ten games. The offseason can’t get here soon enough for them as they contemplate what to do with an ageing roster. The Islanders can’t afford to lose this game with wild-card contenders the Panthers and Penguins consistently winning down the stretch. The motivated team with more to play for comes out on top.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 2 – 1 Panthers
Our featured game of NHL Predictions has the Leafs taking on the Panthers in an Atlantic Division showdown. After having an injury scare with probable playoff starter Ilya Samsonov on Saturday, look for the Leafs to start Joseph Woll in this game. T.J. Brodie and Morgan Rielly are likely to return to the lineup after a night off against the Habs.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe and general manager Kyle Dubas once again will likely opt to rest key players with the playoffs looming. Individual milestones, avoiding injuries, and maintaining productive habits are the Leafs’ focus for the remaining three games of the regular season. Subplots include Mitch Marner‘s bid to hit the century mark for points and Auston Matthews and William Nylander trying to reach forty goals scored.
The Panthers continue to fight for a wild-card berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Matthew Tkachuk will receive some Hart trophy votes if they do. Tkachuk has seven goals and six assists over his last ten games. The Panthers have been solid at home this year and are riding a six-game win streak. Last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winner is getting hot at the right time.
This has the feel of a game where the Leafs might lack some focus and succumb to the more desperate team.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Dallas Stars vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Stars 1 – 0 Red Wings
The final game of our NHL Predictions sees an inter-conference matchup between the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings. Look for Jake Oettinger to get the start for the Stars as they can still get first place in the Central Division. Jason Robertson will look to continue his career year and lead the Stars to their fourth win in a row.
There are variable seeding possibilities that remain in play for the Stars over their last three games. The carrot of a potential number two seed versus starting the Stanley Cup playoffs on the road will enough to get their attention for this game.
The Red Wings will miss the postseason for a sixth consecutive season. Only the Sabres have a longer streak of futility in the NHL. They would love to play spoiler and hurt their opponent’s chance at a division title, but the Stars have too much to play for.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3.
Main Photo – John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
