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 Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins
Series: Panthers 1-3 Bruins
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Panthers fighting for their playoff lives in a very tough TD Garden. Florida has won in Boston, but this is an elimination game and the Bruins don’t mess around in those situations. Both Alex Lyon and Sergei Bobrovsky have struggled in recent game, so the starter may be hard to figure until we get closer to game time. Matthew Tkachuk has been one of the good spots for the Panthers, who try to stay alive.
Linus Ullmark likely gets the start once again for the Bruins, who have three chances to close out the first-round series. Patrice Bergeron could be ready to come back soon, but does head coach Jim Montgomery try buy some extra rest for his team captain? David Krejci did skate with the team on the off day and could return to the lineup. Seeing Krejci return would be a big boost to Boston’s centre depth, but Pavel Zacha has played well. The Bruins have buckled down and overcome some injuries to get itself into prime position.
Boston is usually pretty efficient when it comes to eliminating teams and it should send Florida home. Montgomery will likely hold out Bergeron until Game 6 if the Panthers do extend the series.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Colorado Avalanche
Series: Kraken 2-2 Avalanche
Our final game of a light night of NHL predictions is a pivotal Game 5 between the Seattle Kraken and Colorado Avalanche. Seattle will need to fill a big scoring hole in the lineup as Jared McCann is out. The Kraken withstood a rally to tie the series thanks to Jordan Eberle‘s overtime-winner. Philipp Grubauer will once again draw the start, as he’s played well facing his old team. Seattle has gotten goals from unlikely sources like Will Borgen and others to stay in the series.
Colorado will face their own missing player as star defenceman Cale Makar is suspended. Alexandar Georgiev will once again get the start for the Avalanche, who look to get the series lead. Colorado has been dealing with injuries the whole season, but are likely without Valeri Nichushkin once again. The Russian forward’s health and safety are the most important things at this point. However, Colorado will miss him in the lineup after a great 2022 Stanley Cup Playoff run. An upset could be in the cards, but Colorado are the defending champions for a reason. The Avs can seemingly handle a lot of bad things thrown at them.
It’s a tough one to call, but Colorado finds a way to get the job done.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Main photo by: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
