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
Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-2 Sabres
TV: MSG; NBC Sports Chicago; ESPN+
Our opening game game of NHL predictions has the Chicago Blackhawks visiting the Buffalo Sabres. This game looked much more attractive on paper at the beginning of the season. However, the injury to Connor Bedard and the struggles of the Sabres have made it a meh matchup. Petr Mrazek will likely get the call for the Blackhawks, who did beat the San Jose Sharks last time out.
Buffalo is projected to go with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in between the pipes. The Sabres have won three of the last five as they try to salvage their season. Jeff Skinner leads the team in 17 goals and Casey Mittelstadt has dished out 26 assists. Both teams are in the bottom half of plenty of major statistics.
The Hawks look like a different package without Bedard. Buffalo should get the victory in this postponed matchup.
Prediction: Sabres win 5-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Canadies 0-0 Senators
TV: TSN2; RDS; TSN5; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions is the first meeting of the season between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs have won two straight games and are expected to go with Sam Montembeault in the blue paint. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 14 so far this campaign.
Ottawa is likely going with Joonas Korpisalo in the crease for this matchup. The Senators have lost four of the last five games in what’s being called a lost season for the club. Brady Tkachuk tops the team in goals with 18 while Tim Stutzle has 31 assists this campaign. Ottawa is 31st on the penalty kill and 24th on the power play.
Both teams are unlikely to make the post-season, but the Habs get the win.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Flames
TV: TSN4; Sportsnet West; ESPN+
The last game of NHL predictions has the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to snap a four-game losing streak. Toronto is projected to go with Martin Jones in between the pipes to stop the slide. Defence has been a problem with the team allowing four goals per game during this recent losing run. However, this team talented enough to light up the scoreboard in any game. Auston Matthews has 34 goals and William Nylander leads in assists with 36.
The Calgary Flames have won four in a row and are in the logjam of teams fighting it out for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot in the west. Jacob Markstrom is the expected starter for the Flames in this game. Calgary has been averaging over four goals scored per game during this winning run. Blake Coleman leads the team in goals with 20 so far.
All the trends seem to point towards Calgary, but Toronto ends the skid in this.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-4.
Prop Bet of the Night
Let’s go to the New York Rangers versus Vegas Golden Knights game for our prop bet of the night. The Blueshirts are coming into a tough environment, but Artemi Panarin has been hot all season. We like him getting the over on +1.0 points tonight at T-Mobile Arena. Let’s just say the Breadman will rise up for the Rangers.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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