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 Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Blue Jackets
TV: NESN; Bally Sports Ohio; ESPN+
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jeremy Swayman is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy goalie. Boston has been struggling on the defensive end by giving up 12 goals in the last two games. The Bruins lost first place in the league overall after a 7-4 loss to the Rangers. David Pastrnak is already over 30 points with 13 goals and 18 assists for the B’s.
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Columbus will go with Spencer Martin in between the pipes. The Blue Jackets have losses in three of their last five games. Captain Boone Jenner is the team leader in goals with 11 while Zach Werenski is having a boune-back with 14 assists. Both teams are in the top three when it comes to the penalty kill with Columbus in second place.
Boston is hoping to shake the taste of the last two games. Taking on a struggling Columbus team may be the tonic.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0-1 Rangers
TV: MSG; MSG-Buffalo; ESPN+
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the likely starter for the Sabres, who have three losses in their last five. Buffalo has struggled through injuries and inconsistent play in a season many expected the team to make a leap. Jeff Skinner leads the team in goals in 10 while Casey Mittelstadt is tops in assists with 14. This team does need to do a better job in front of the net on both ends of the ice.
Igor Shesterkin is the projected starter for the Rangers, who are the top team in the league. The Blueshirts are the top team when it comes to goals allowed and lethal on special teams. Chris Kreider has been a menace on the power play with 13 goals and Artemi Panarin has 18 assists. It’s been a plug-and-play lineup for the team that’s done well without Adam Fox and Filip Chytill.
The Rangers have flourished under Peter Laviolette and have won in multiple manners.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
Florida Panthers vs Ottawa Senators
Head-t0-Head: Panthers 0-0 Senators
TV: TSN 5; Bally Sports Florida; ESPN+
It’s an Atlantic Division matchup between the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators in the next stop of NHL predictions. Florida has only scored a goal in the last two games. Sam Reinhart leads the Cats with 13 goals and Matthew Tkachuk has dished out 14 assists. Florida is 25th in goals scored and the same rank on the power play.
Ottawa is likely to go with Joonas Korpisalo in the blue paint. Brady Tkachuk leads the way in goals with 10 for the Senators, who have also been disappointing this season. Tim Stutzle has dished out 17 assists for the Sens.
A battle of Tkachuks is always fun, but Florida gets the victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Flames
TV: Scripps; Sportsnet West; Sportsnet One; ESPN+
The Vegas Golden Knights take on the Calgary Flames in a Pacific Division battle. Adin Hill is the projected starter for the Golden Knights, who have struggled to score in the last few games.
Calgary will go with Jacob Markstrom in all likelihood. The Flames have lost three of their last five games.
Vegas should get the bounce back win against Calgary.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.
Washington Capitals vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-0 Sharks
TV: Monument Sports; NBC Sports California; ESPN+
Prediction: Capitals win 5-2.
Main photo by: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
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