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 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0-0 Canadiens
TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh; Sportsnet; RDS; ESPN+
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Penguins looking to build momentum against the Canadiens. The Pens recently snapped a losing skid after topping the Arizona Coyotes, 4-2, last time out. Sidney Crosby continues to laugh in the face of Father Time because he leads the team in goals with 15. However, all the stars the Penguins possess hasn’t translated into much success on the power play. Alex Nedeljkovic is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a starter.
Sam Montembeault is the expected starter for the Habs, have lost three of the last five. However, the Canadiens have played up to their competition a number of times this season. There are plenty of exciting young players like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and others. However, this team will miss Alex Newhook for an extended period of time.
Pittsburgh has been struggling on the extra man, but gets the job done up north.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-2.
Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Devils
TV: TNT; Max
The Boston Bruins try to continue their winning ways against the New Jersey Devils in this one. Boston has wins in four of the last five games and have been using defence to get the job done. Jeremy Swayman is the projected starter for the Bs in this matchup. David Pastrnak is one point away from 40 as he’s got 16 goals and 23 assists.
New Jersey has wins in three of its last five, but are coming off a loss to the Edmonton Oilers last time out. Vitek Vanecek is the likely starter for the Devils, who are seventh in goals scored. However, problems in between the pipes can be a worry for a team looking to contend for a Stanley Cup. Jack Hughes has continued his momentum with 10 goals and 23 assists for the Devils.
It’ll be a good test of offence versus defence, but the Bruins edge in goal gives them the victory.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-3.
Winnipeg Jets vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Jets 0-1 Kings
TV: Bally Sports West; TSN3; ESPN+
Our last featured game of NHL predictions has the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Los Angeles Kings. Winnipeg must deal without Kyle Connor, who led the team in goals with 17. The Jets will have to figure things out on offence, but do have Connor Hellebuyck in goal to give them a chance. Winnipeg also has a great defensive structure that will keep it in most games.
The Kings may not have that road-winning streak anymore, but are still a solid squad. Pierre-Luc Dubois gets another crack at his former team and looks to get another goal against them. Trevor Moore leads in goals with 13 goals and Kevin Fiala has 19 assists. Cam Talbot is the expected starter for the Kings, are first in goals allowed in the NHL.
Not having Connor will be a big loss and the Kings will have just enough.
Prediction: Kings win 3-1.
Here are the other games for tonight’s NHL predictions.
Anaheim Ducks vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-0 Islanders
TV: Bally Sports Southern California; Bally Sports San Diego; MSGSN2; ESPN+
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
Buffalo Sabres vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-0 Avalanche
TV: TNT; Max; Altitude
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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