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 New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series: Maple Leafs 3-2 Lightning
This is our opening game of NHL predictions. The fear factor is real for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they’re 0-11 in trying to close out a team since 2004. Justin Holl has become a problem on the defensive end and seems to be on the ice for a large majority of Toronto’s goals. Ilya Samsonov will get the start once again with the Maple Leafs, who are feeling the pressure. One can argue that the Leafs have to win this game or else face the weight of another Game 7 at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Auston Matthews has been solid this series, but will need more help to get Toronto into round two.
Andrei Vasilevskiy played like a Stanley Cup winning goalie in Game 5. He’s been suspect at times, but can always string a great game together. Nick Paul was the hero of the day for the Lightning in Game 5 with another goal to break hearts on the Leaf’s home ice. Nikita Kucherov may not be potting the goals, but he’s been distributing the puck very well.
There’s a temptation to pick the Leafs to vanquish the demons. However, we won’t pick it until we see it.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Series: Devils 3-2 Rangers
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Devils looking to close out the Rangers. Likley starter Akira Schmid has been the reason that the Devils have bounced back from an 0-2 hole. New Jersey has also tightened the game up on the defensive end. The Devils penalty kill has been spectacular since those dreadful opening two games. Jack Hughes has played like a number-one pick and been a catalyst on the offensive end. The Devils are smelling blood and have a great chance to end their archrival’s season.
Igor Shesterkin has been one of the few bright spots in goal and he’s getting frustrated. The Rangers have gone 0-for-9 with the extra man since Game 2. New York hasn’t been able to generate traffic in front of the net and make it hard for Schmid to stop the puck. Blueshirts head coach Gerard Gallant has been all over his team and knows anything short of a deep post-season run would be a disappointment. New York’s line combinations could be put into a blender.
The Rangers have lost a pair of close games home, but they force Game 7.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1.
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings
Series: Oilers 3-2 Kings 2
The final game of today’s NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers trying to close out the Los Angeles Kings. Stuart Skinner is the projected starter, but the Jack Campbell question is always looming. Leon Draisaitl has been the beneficiary of the Kings being worried about Connor McDavid. Edmonton’s power play was humming on all cylinders and Los Angeles needs to stay out of the box.
The Kings will go with Joonas Korpisalo once again in goal despite being chased in Game 5. We could see Pheonix Copley in between the pipes if things get bad again. Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar lead the team in points with seven. Los Angeles has been able to score with Edmonton at times, but will need a complete effort to stay alive.
Edmonton seems to have rallied after that Game 4 comeback and should finish things up.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Main photo by: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
