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 Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Minnesota Wild vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-0 Sabres
TV: MSG; Bally Sports North; Bally Sports Wisconsin
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild taking on the Buffalo Sabres. Minnesota is coming off a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday night. Filip Gustavsson is the confirmed starter after Marc-Andre Fleury played the night before. Minnesota can score goals and is ninth in goals for with 44, but 31st in goals allowed with 51. The Wild penalty kill is dead-last in the NHL.
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Devon Levi is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Buffalo has a goal-differential of 0 going into this game. The Sabres have shown some flashes of greatness, but been pedestrian at times. Buffalo’s power play is 27th, but its penalty kill is fourth in the league. Jeff Skinner leads the team in goals with six so far.
The Wild will want to bounce back, but the Sabres will be rested.
Prediction: Sabres win 4-3.
Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Maple Leafs
TV: Sportsnet West; TSN4
It’s the Brad Treliving Bowl as the featured game of NHL predictions. The Flames have won two in a row, but Jonathan Huberdeau was benched for the third period of the last game against the Nashville Predators. Jacob Markstrom is the projected starter in this one for Calgary. The Flames may be struggling in part of their game, but at least it’s not as bad for them like it is for the Edmonton Oilers.
Toronto will go with Joseph Woll in between the pipes with back-to-back games this weekend. The Leafs have lost four of their last five games and have given up at least five goals in the last three games. Toronto is ninth in goals for and can score quickly. The Leafs power play is strong, but they have trouble stopping the opposition’s extra man units.
Both teams will be motivated, but Toronto gets the win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-4.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-1 Ducks
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; Bally Sports West
The Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks hook up in this one. Carter Hart is back in the lineup and the confirmed starter for the Flyers, who have lost four of their last five. Philadelphia’s power play has struggled and is second-worst in the league. Travis Konecny leads the club with nine goals.
Frank Vatrano netted a hat trick the last time these two teams played earlier in the season. Vatrano is the team’s leading goal-scorer with nine this campaign. Lukas Dostal is the unconfirmed starter for Anaheim, which had its five-game winning streak stopped last time out.
Both teams are young and hungry, but the Ducks are a little further along.
Prediction: Ducks win 5-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0-1 Golden Knights
TV: NBC Sports California; Scripps
Break up the San Jose Sharks! Our final game of NHL predictions has the streaking Sharks taking on the champion Vegas Golden Knights. Kaapo Kahkonen will likely get the call with Mackenzie Blackwood starting the night before. San Jose is still struggling in most categories.
Logan Thompson is set to get the call in net for the Golden Knights. Vegas has lost two straight and given up four goals in each of those games. William Karlsson leads the team in goals with seven.
Vegas seems motivated to get on the winning track and will stop the San Jose streak.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-1.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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