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 Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series: Panthers 3-1 Maple Leafs
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers with another chance to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sergei Bobrovsky is projected to get the start once again for the Panthers. However, always check social media before locking in a starter. Florida wasn’t able to figure out Toronto starter Joseph Woll. However, a second game may allow the Panthers to figure out the young Leafs starter. Matthew Tkachuk can seal himself as Public Enemy No. 1 in Leafs Land with another vintage performance.
Toronto lived to fight another day, but how many times can they cheat it inevitable fate. Woll looked solid in Game 4, but saving the team’s season is a lot to put on his plate. The core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares will have to get their games going in order for the Leafs to send the series back to South Florida. William Nylander did score in the last game and he’ll need to be good once again.
Woll will give the Leafs a chance, but the Panthers close it out in Game 5.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Oilers 2-2 Golden Knights
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions could be a feisty one between the Pacific Division rivals. The Oilers will be without Darnell Nurse, who was suspended for getting an instigator late in Game 4. Edmonton didn’t back down from Vegas at the end of the last game. Even Connor McDavid got a bit physical. However, they may not want their captain to throwing hands with the opposition. Edmonton’s power play has been deadly thanks to Evan Bouchard being on the point. The Oilers also have Leon Draisaitl in front of the net scoring goals, but he can strike from anywhere. Stuart Skinner is the projected starter once again for the Oilers.
Adin Hill is the projected starter in between the pipes for Vegas. The Golden Knights will also be without a key defenceman with Alex Pietrangelo suspended for one game. He is a solid puck-mover and a veteran on the blueline. However, the Golden Knights are 2-0 in post-season games coming off a loss. This club knows how to bounce back after a setback. Mark Stone will have to do some work to stop McDavid and Draisaitl, but the defence is capable.
The loss of Pietrangelo will be a big blow for the Golden Knights and the Oilers will take advantage of this.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
