With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Capitals
TV: ESPN; TSN4; 6 p.m. ET
The first of our three best bets in this round of NHL predictions has the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Washington Capitals. Toronto rallied past the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 4-3 overtime win on Saturday night. Joseph Woll was the hero of the day and he’ll get the confirmed start once again for Toronto. Auston Matthews has gone without a point since his two straight hat tricks to start the season. However, Matthew Knies picked up the slack in the last game.
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Washington will likely go with Darcy Kuemper in goal, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy goalie. Alex Ovechkin has struggled in the early part of the season and not broken into the scoresheet. Should fantasy hockey owners be worried about Ovie? We won’t hit the panic button just yet, but it’s something to monitor. The Caps have been giving up a lot of high-danger chances and that could cost them against an offensively talented team like the Leafs.
Toronto’s firepower and speed will be too much for Washington in this early one.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-3.
Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-0 Blackhawks
TV: ESPN
The Boston Bruins are the only Eastern Conference unbeaten team and are looking to 6-0. Jeremy Swayman is the projected starter as the B’s continue to platoon their goalies. David Pastrnak has five goals and eight points already on the campaign. Boston is first in goals against so far this young season.
However, Connor Bedard did get his first career goal against the Bruins in a 3-1 loss in the second game of the season for the Chicago Blackhawks. Petr Mrazek is the expected starter for the Blackhawks, who do have some key wins over good opponents. However, the lack of consistency is hurting this rebuilding club.
The Hawks are capable of a solid performance, but don’t bet against the Bruins unless proven otherwise.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Kraken 0-0 Red Wings
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Root Sports Northwest
The last of our three best bets games on NHL predictions has the flagging Seattle Kraken visiting the rising Detroit Red Wings. Philipp Grubauer has been under a lot of pressure lately, but his offence does need to give him a hand. Injuries and a lack of scoring may put the Kraken behind the 8-ball.
Ville Husso has been solid in the Red Wings net, but Alex DeBrincat is taking his game to the next level. He’s the league’s leading goal-scorer with eight tallies. Detroit and the Yzerplan may finally be taking shape this year.
Seattle is facing a difficult test and the Red Wings should pick up the win.
Prediction: Red Wings win 5-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
A new feature for our busy nights is our best prop bet of the evening. We’ll take you to the Vancouver Canucks game against the Nashville Predators and focus on Elias Pettersson. The Swede has been solid and taking the over on the 0.5-point prop might be a way to make some money tonight.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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