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
Los Angeles Kings vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Kings 0-0 Stars
TV: ESPN+; Hulu
Our first game of today’s NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings taking on the Dallas Stars. Los Angeles is coming off a 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. Cam Talbot will most likely get the start with the Kings playing on back-to-back days. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Los Angeles is a very good team on the road, but playing Dallas at home is always tough. Trevor Moore is already at the 20-goal mark after two goals the night before.
Jake Oettinger is back from injury and looking to help the Stars challenge for the Central Division crown. However, Dallas is still missing talented defender Miro Heiskanen, who is out week-to-week according to head coach Peter DeBoer. The Stars have won three of their last five games and have scored at least three goals in those victories. Dallas is third in goals scored, but Los Angeles is second in goals allowed.
Los Angeles is getting over some recent struggles, but their road record will get them the win.
Prediction: Kings win 3-2.
New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-0 Jets
TV: TSN3; MSGSN; ESPN+
The New York Islanders look to bounce back after getting blanked 5-0 by the Minnesota Wild last night. Ken Appleby is slated to get his first career NHL start against the the Winnipeg Jets after coming into the game to relieve Ilya Sorokin. The Isles have lost four of the last five and are trying to not put themselves behind the 8-ball in the Stanley Cup Playoff race. New York’s offence has struggled in recent games with it only scored two goals or less during the setbacks. Brock Nelson is one goal away from the 20-goal mark.
The Winnipeg Jets will likely go with Connor Hellebuyck in between the pipes for this game. Winnipeg had its most-recent win streak stopped by the Philadelphia Flyers last time out. However, the Jets are first in goals allowed and 10th in goals scored. Kyle Connor still leads the club in goals despite being injured. However, the former Michigan product may be ready to return soon.
It’s a tall order for Appleby to play against one of the best teams in the league. Winnipeg gets back on track with the victory.
Prediction: Jets win 4-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Oilers
TV: TSN4; Sportsnet West; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions has two heavyweight offences going at it with the Toronto Maple Leafs visiting the Edmonton Oilers. Toronto is in the middle of a tough stretch that could make or break their chances at a higher seed. The Leafs have lost three straight games and have given up four or more goals in each of those games. Martin Jones is the projected starter tasked to stop one of the hottest teams in the league. Auston Matthews and William Nylander have been providing plenty of the scoring for Toronto.
Stuart Skinner is the likely starter for the red-hot Oilers, who have won 10 straight games. Edmonton’s offence grabs the headlines, but defence has been getting the job done the last few games. The Oilers have given up two goals or less during the last five games. Zach Hyman leads the team in goals with 26 and Connor McDavid has handed out 41 assists.
The Oilers will pull a Spinal Tap and turn this winning streak up to 11.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
Let’s stick with the last game and the over/under of seven. Usually we’d take the over, but the Oilers defence is making us take the under.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson – USA TODAY Sports
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