Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. 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 York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Sabres
TV: MSG (Buffalo and Upstate NY); MSG+ (NYC area); ESPN+ at 7 p.m.
Let’s get the featured game of NHL Predictions out of the way early. The Rangers have a new bench boss in Peter Laviolette, but the same reliable goalie in likely starter Igor Shesterkin. New York’s power play can be potent, but disappeared after Game 2 against the New Jersey Devils. Laviolette promised to give young players like Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere more minutes to save his veterans. When the Rangers are clicking, they are tough to beat.
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The Sabres come into the season looking to finally take the next step. General manager Kevyn Adams has been busy in signing Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power to long-term extensions. Alex Tuch is healthy and gave the Sabres a push that just missed out on the post-season. Buffalo is a team that’s up-and-coming, but still have a few questions remaining. One of the questions is in goal and with starter Devon Levi. Is he ready for the big time?
Both teams have a lot to prove, but the Blueshirts get it done.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-0 Devils
TV: ESPN+, Hulu at 7 p.m.
The Detroit Red Wings come in knowing there needs to be some upward momentum towards a Stanley Cup Playoff push. Ville Husso is the confirmed starter in goal for Detroit. The Red Wings have some promise as well, but can’t seem to put things together.
It’s been an active off-season for the New Jersey Devils. Lindy Ruff was recently re-signed and the club made a ton of moves in free agency. Vitek Vanecek will likely get the call in goal for a Devils team looking to go deep this post-season.
Both teams have goalie questions going into the season, but the Devils should win this one.
Prediction: Devils win 5-3.
Florida Panthers vs Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-0 Wild
TV: Bally Sports Florida, BSN, BSWI at 8 p.m.
The Florida Panthers are coming off a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final. Sergei Bobrovsky turned back time and plenty of shots to get the Cats to their second all-time Final. Florida wants to prove that it’s not just a one-hit wonder.
The Minnesota Wild have been busy locking up players in order to keep their core together. Minnesota has to go through a couple of years of salary cap hell, which will test their depth. Filip Gustavsson is the likely starter and is hoping to keep that job.
This should be another good one, but the Wild win their home-opener.
Prediction: Wild win 4-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Sharks
TV: NBC Sports California; Scripps; 10:30 p.m.
Our last in-depth game has the Stanley Cup champs looking to get off to a 2-0 start. Logan Thompson will draw the start for the Vegas Golden Knights. The Knights will be without Brett Howden due to a two-game suspension. Both Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev picked up where they left off.
The San Jose Sharks are trying to rebuild and look to the future. Kaapo Kahkonen is the confirmed starter for the Sharks. It looks like another lottery chase for San Jose.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 6-1.
Here is the rest of the schedule for NHL Predictions
Philadelphia Flyers vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-0 Flyers
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; Bally Sports Ohio; 7 p.m.
Carter Hart will likely go for the Philadelphia Flyers while Elvis Merzlikins starts for the Columbus Blue Jackets. If you want a prop bet, go with Adam Fantilli getting a point or even a goal tonight.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-3.
St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Stars
TV: Bally Sports Southwest; BSMW; 8 p.m.
It’s going to likely be Jordan Binnington for the St. Louis Blues vs Jake Oettinger for the Dallas Stars.
Prediction: Stars win 3-1.
Seattle Kraken vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Predators
TV: Root Northwest; Bally Sports South
Philipp Grubauer is the expected starter for the Seattle Kraken against Nashville Predators starter Juuse Saros. Both teams are looking to shake off opening-night losses
Prediction: Kraken win 4-2.
Main photo by: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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