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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Arizona Coyotes vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Sabres
TV: Scripps; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Arizona Coyotes traveling to Western New York to battle the Buffalo Sabres. Karel Vejmelka is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Arizona is on a two-game losing streak going into this game. Michael Carcone is the team’s leading goal-scorer with 13 while Clayton Keller has 16 assists.
Devon Levi is the likely starter for Buffalo, who has lost four of its last five games. Jeff Skinner leads the way in goals with 12 while Casey Mittelstadt is the leader in assists with 16. This should have been the year that the Sabres made the next step. However, Buffalo is languishing near the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings.
Arizona has recently beaten the last few Stanley Cup champions.
Prediction: Coyotes win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Islanders
TV: MSGSN; Sportsnet; ESPN+
Our featured game has the Leafs looking to win their third straight games. Ilya Samsonov is the likely starter with Joseph Woll on the sidelines. Auston Matthews has 18 goals to lead the team while William Nylander has 19 assists. Toronto’s power play in ninth, but are only 19th in goals scored.
The Islanders have also won four of their last five games and have overcome a slow start. Ilya Sorokin will likely get the start for the Islanders, who are sixth on the power play. However, the Islanders are 29th in killing off penalties. Brock Nelson has 11 goals and Noah Dobson has 19 assists to lead the way in both categories.
New York will have to keep out of the penalty box if it wants to win, but Toronto’s offence has played well in recent games.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-0 Stars
TV: Bally Sports Detroit; Bally Sports Southwest; ESPN+
The Detroit Red Wings will be without some key players when they take on the Dallas Stars. Dylan Larkin is likely to be out after an injury on Saturday night. David Perron is likely to face a suspension for what happened against the Ottawa Senators. Ville Husso is projected starter for the Red Wings, who have lost the last two games. Alex DeBrincat leads the team in goals with 13.
Jake Oettinger is the projected starter for the Stars, who have been up and down over the last five games. Dallas has solid special teams being third on the PK and eighth on the power play. Joe Pavelski leads in goals with 11 and Jason Robertson has 16 assists for the Stars.
The injury problems will be too much for the Red Wings as the Stars pick up the win.
Prediction: Stars win 4-2.
Calgary Flames vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-1 Avalanche
TV: Altitude; Sportsnet West; Sportsnet One; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames taking on the Colorado Avalanche. Calgary has lost three of its last four games and Daniel Vladar is the projected starter. The Flames are 22nd in goals for and goals allowed. Blake Coleman leads in goals with seven while Nazem Kadri has 12 assists.
Colorado has been very inconsistent at times despite its talent. Alexandar Georgiev is the expected starter for the Avalanche, who have four losses in their last five. This team has plenty of talent, but has struggled to put it all together. Mikko Rantanen is first in goals with 12 while Cale Makar leads in assists with 12.
Both teams are coming in on a low note, but Colorado finds a way to win at home.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Main photo by: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
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