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 Detroit Red Wings vs Ottawa Senators. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days. Also check out our NHL predictions of tonight’s late games.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-0 Senators
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; TSN 5
Our featured game of NHL predictions is a 1 p.m. start in Kanata. Detroit will start Ville Husso in between the pipes in this one and that’s been confirmed. The Red Wings have gotten off to a hot start thanks to Alex DeBrincat, who plays his old team today. Detroit has three straight wins after starting off with a loss in the opening game. It’s early, but the Detroit power play is rolling along at a 46.2 percent clip.
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Ottawa will likely counter with Joonas Korpisalo in goal, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy goalie. Brady Tkacbuk already has four goals this season while Tim Stutzle has four assists this campaign for the Sens. Both teams can score goals, as they both have 15 going into this game. That is tied for second-most in the league.
It’s tough to pick a winner, but the Red Wings get the slight edge. A DeBrincat goal or multi-point prop bet may also be worth a risk.
Prediction: Red Wings win 4-3 in overtime.
New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-0 Sabres
TV: MSG (Upstate NY): MSGSN
The New York Islanders will try to bounce back from an overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. Semyon Varlamov will get his first start of the season for the Isles. Brock Nelson already has three goals so far this season after a two-goal night on Friday.
Devon Levi is the projected starter in goal for the Buffalo Sabres in this one. Rasmus Dahlin has four assists already this season for Buffalo. The Sabres got a measure of confidence after holding off the Tampa Bay Lightning for an overtime win.
The Islanders are pros, but a tough game before may hurt them against a rested Sabres team.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Lightning
TV: CBC; NHL Network Bally Sports Sunshine
A heavyweight matchup awaits as the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Leafs beat the Lightning to get past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Ilya Samsonov is the projected starter at the moment. Auston Matthews has gone goalless after opening the season with two straight hat tricks. Toronto’s defence has had some issues to start the year.
Jonas Johansson is the confirmed starter in net for the Lightning. Tampa Bay has also struggled to keep the puck out of the net. Brandon Hagel has four goals already and Brayden Point has five assists this campaign.
The over might be worth a play, but Toronto has just enough thanks to Samsonov.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-3.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Stars 0-0 Flyers
TV: Bally Sports Southwest; NBC Sports Philadelphia
Our final featured game of this round of NHL Predictions has the Dallas Stars hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. It’s only a week or more into the season, but the Flyers are in first place in the Metropolitan Division. Carter Hart is the likely start in net for Philadelphia. Cam Atkinson leads the club in goals with three this season.
Jake Oettinger will likely get the start for the Stars, who haven’t given up more than three goals in a game. Dallas’ calling card is its strong defensive group. It’s early, but Joe Pavelski is tops in goals with two this year.
The Flyers have been solid so far this season, but will get a step up in competition from the Stars.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1.
Here is the rest of the early slate of NHL predictions for Saturday.
Anaheim Ducks vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Coyotes
TV: Bally Sports Southern Calif; BS San Diego; Scripps
Prediction: Coyotes win 4-2.
Vancouver Canucks vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Panthers
TV: Bally Sports Florida; CBC
Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.
Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-0 Canadiens
TV: Sportsnet 360; Monument
Prediction: Capitals win 5-2. Alex Ovechkin scores if you want a prop bet.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Blackhawks
TV: Scripps; NBC Sports Chicago
Prediction: Golden Knights win 6-3.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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