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 Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-0 Rangers
TV: Altitude; MSG; ESPN+
Our first and featured game has the Avalanche taking their act to Broadway. Colorado has won three straight games and four of the last five. It’s a battle of past and present Rangers’ goalies as Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter for the Avalanche. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Nathan MacKinnon is staking his claim for the Hart Trophy with 31 goals and 53 assists so far this season. He’s helped push the Avalanche to first place in the Central Division.
The Rangers ended the opening stanza of the season with a 7-2 drubbing of the Ottawa Senators. However, the Blueshirts have been struggling at the turn of the new year. Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter for the Blueshirts, which had lost three of the last five. Artemi Panarin leads in goals (30) and assists (36) for the Rangers. Could the last outing against Ottawa fix the recent struggles with the offence?
It’s always hard to see who comes out firing after the All-Star Break, but take Colorado in a close one.
Prediction: Avalanche win 3-2.
New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Islanders 2-0 Maple Leafs
TV: MSGSN; Sportsnet; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the New York Islanders looking to get the season sweep of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Isles have won both games by a 4-3 margin. Ilya Sorokin is the expected starter for the Islanders, who have lost three straight games. New head coach Patrick Roy got a win in his first outing against the Dallas Stars, but it hasn’t been easy since. New York has lost the rest since he took over. Brock Nelson leads in goals with 21 and Noah Dobson has 46 assists to lead in that category.
Toronto is coming off the high off hosting All-Star Weekend. The Leafs are also winners of four of the last five games and the team’s defence has been solid. Confirmed starter Ilya Samsonov has regained his confidence and been strong the last few starts. Auston Matthews leads the league in goals with 40 while William Nylander tops the team in assists with 38. Toronto’s power play might get a chance to test the Islanders’ bottom-ranked penalty kill.
The Isles will likely come out and start fast. However, the Leafs should hopefully weather the storm and keep momentum going.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-2.
Prop Bet(s) of the Night
Since there are only two games on tap tonight, let’s give you some extra side action for tonight’s games. For Colorado, we like MacKinnon as +1.5 points. He’s been great in the opening part of the season and should keep that going. On the Rangers side, we’ll go with Shesterkin going with +30 saves. The Blueshirts netminder will likely get a bit of work against a very strong Avalanche team.
For the late game, take Matthews getting a goal because he’s scored three times this season against the Isles. Look for Dobson to get at least one assist for the Islanders in this game. Stay tuned for more NHL predictions in the coming days.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports
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