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 Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Series: Devils 1-2 Rangers
Our first game of NHL predictions has the New Jersey Devils looking to even the series against the New York Rangers. Head coach Lindy Ruff rolled the dice by going with Akira Schmid and that paid off. Dougie Hamilton got the overtime to get the Devils back into the series. New Jersey’s penalty kill kept New York off the board after a terrible start in the first two games. Jack Hughes scored a solid goal to force overtime.
Igor Shesterkin will get the call again for the Blueshirts, who want a 3-1 series lead. Chris Kreider already has five goals so far in the series. Patrick Kane made another solid defensive play to make the goal happen. The Rangers power play was brought back to Earth in Game 3. However, it can fire back up if given more chances like the Devils gave the Rangers in Game 3.
The Rangers have to figure out Schmid, but the Devils have their confidence back.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2 in overtime.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series: Maple Leafs 2-1 Lightning
The Toronto Maple Leafs will once again goal with Ilya Samsonov in net as the Leafs go for a 3-1 series advantage. Morgan Rielly got the overtime winner for the Leafs, who are trying to win their first series since 2004. Game 3 was rough and wild with Toronto seeing Auston Matthews get into his first career fight. This series has been rough-and-tumble and it’s not going to ease up anytime soon.
Brayden Point is a game-time decision, but will likely play for the Lightning in Game 4. Victor Hedman logged over 30 minutes of ice time despite being injured. Andrei Vasilevskiy will once again draw the start for Tampa Bay, which has plenty of experience in bouncing back from tough defeats.
Many think this is setting up for the Leafs to go up 3-1 (and to blow the series). However, Tampa Bay gets the win in this one.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets
Series: Golden Knights 2-1 Jets
The Vegas Golden Knights will go with Laurent Brossoit once again in net as it looks to seek a 3-1 lead. Michael Amadio got the overtime-winner for the Knights after a tough Game 3. Mark Stone‘s return gives Vegas a boost in the lineup at both ends of the ice. Brossoit has actually hung in there after a not-so-good Game 1.
Connor Hellebuyck always gives the Jets a chance to steal any game he starts. However, he’ll need to be at his best once again in order for Winnipeg to tie the series. The injury to Josh Morrissey is a big blow and the Jets looked a different team without him. They’ll miss him on the backend.
Vegas will take advantage of the Morrissey injury and go home with the series advantage.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-1.
Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken
Series: Avalanche 2-1 Kraken
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Avalanche looking to up three games to one. However, Valeri Nichushkin has left the team for personal reasons. Head coach Jared Bednar said that he doesn’t know when the Russian forward will be back with the team. Alexandar Georgiev will be the confirmed starter in goal for the Avalanche. The Nichushkin news could serve as a distraction, but Colorado has plenty of veterans that can help steady the ship. Nathan MacKinnon has stepped up to be the leader of the Avs’ offence.
Philipp Grubauer will get the start once again for the Kraken. It was a party-like atmosphere for Seattle, which hosted its first playoff game in 104 years. However, the Avalanche ruined the party with a late third-period surge. The Kraken have hung with the champs, but will need to clean things up if they want to tie up the series.
Colorado usually finds a way to win these types of games when distractions swirl around them.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Main photo by: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
