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 Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days. Be sure to check out our earlier NHL predictions for Saturday.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Maple Leafs
TV: Bally Sports North; BS Wisconsin; CBC; CBC Gem; 7 p.m.
Let’s get the featured game of NHL Predictions out of the way early. The Wild are coming off a 2-0 shutout of the Florida Panthers in the season-opener. Filip Gustavsson should get the start after his opening-game performance. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Brock Faber looked like a veteran and got a goal along with Joel Eriksson Ek. Minnesota was able to play its defensive game to start the season right.
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Toronto is coming off a wild 6-5 shootout win over the Montreal Canadiens in its opener. Auston Matthews netted a hat trick for the Leafs and their high-powered offence. However, defence was a problem and struggled in front of Ilya Samsonov. The young Russian is the confirmed starter for tonight’s game, but he’ll need a better game as well.
Toronto needs to tighten things up at the back, but should edge Minnesota.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0-0 Islanders
TV: MSG (Upstate NY); MSGSN (New York City); 7 p.m,
The Buffalo Sabres are smarting after a 5-1 loss to the New York Rangers in the opener. Buffalo let the game away from them in the second and third periods. Probable starter Devon Levi faced a lot of high-quality shot from the Blueshirts. The Sabres have a load of expectations, but need to start putting it all together.
Ilya Sorokin is the likely starter for the New York Islanders in the season-opener. The Isles were often underestimated last season, but made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. New York still has a strong defensive structure and good goaltending.
That structure should help the Isles well and they’ll get a season-opening win.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-1.
Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Canucks 1-0 Oilers
TV: CBC; CBC Gem; 10 p.m.
Our first rematch of the season has the Vancouver Canucks coming off a surprising 8-1 blowout of the Edmonton Oilers. Brock Boeser made fantasy owners happy with a four-goal outburst for the Canucks. Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller each registered four points for Vancouver. Thatcher Demko likely gets the start again.
It was an absolute nightmare for the Oilers in the opener. Leon Draisaitl admitted that sometimes it’s good to get a butt-kicking. However, the team doesn’t want to get behind the eight ball too early. Stuart Skinner will draw the start again and hope to rebound.
Good teams often rebound and that’s what Edmonton should do. Expect a multi-point night for Draisaitl if you feel like a saucy prop bet.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-3.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Kings
TV: Bally Sports South BS West
Our last in-depth game of NHL predictions has the Carolina Hurricanes taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Carolina recovered after a slot start to beat the Ottawa Senators, 5-3, in the opener. Frederik Andersen looked brilliant in the season-opener and the special teams was solid.
Cam Talbot will get the call for the Kings, who were beat 5-2 by the Colorado Avalanche in the opener. Los Angeles is looking to make themselves a factor in the Pacific Division like last season. However, the Hurricanes are a stiff challenge.
Carolina is a very good team and will pose problems for L.A.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Here are the other games in the rest of our NHL predictions.
Seattle Kraken vs St Louis Blues
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Blues
TV: Root Sports Northwest; Bally Sports Midwest; 8 p.m.
The Seattle Kraken have lost the first two games and will probably go with Philipp Grubauer in goal. Jordan Binnington will likely draw the start for the St. Louis Blues. Seattle finally gets in the win column with a 5-3 win.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Golden Knights
TV: Bally Sports San Diego; BS Southern Calif.; Scripps; 10 p.m.
The Anaheim Ducks finally kick off the season and probably go with John Gibson. Vegas Golden Knights fans will see Adin Hill in goal. There’s been little let up from the Knights and they’ll win again 5-1.
Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-0 Sharks
TV: Altitude; NBC Sports California; 10 p.m.
Alexandar Georgiev goes for the Avs while Mackenzie Blackwood gets the nod for the San Jose Sharks. Colorado should win 6-2.
Main photo by: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
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