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 Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Philadelphia Flyers vs Chicago Blackhawks
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-0 Blackhawks
TV: TNT; Max
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Chicago Blackhawks. Philadelphia has lost two straight games and have a five-point lead for the final automatic spot in the Metropolitan Division. Samuel Ersson is the expected starter for the Flyers, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Travis Konecny leads the team in goals (26) and assists (27) for the club.
Chicago has lost four of its last five and will likely go with Petr Mrazek in between the pipes. The Blackhawks have done better since the return of Connor Bedard, but have struggled to string wins together. Jason Dickinson and Bedard lead the team in goals with 17 while Philipp Kurashev is the assists leader with 23. The Hawks might be in line to get the most ping pong balls in the draft once again.
Philadelphia has struggled in recent games, but this should be a chance to right the ship.
Prediction: Flyers win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Coyotes
TV: Scripps; Sportsnet Ontario; ESPN+
The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Tempe to take on the Arizona Coyotes. Martin Jones is the expected starter for the Leafs, who have won four straight games since the Morgan Rielly suspension. Auston Matthews has been red-hot in recent games and has 49 goals already. William Nylander has 29 goals and 43 assists for the Maple Leafs. Toronto has scored at least four goals per game during this recent winning run.
Karel Vejmelka is the projected starter for the Coyotes, who have lost 10 straight games. Arizona has only been able to manager one point in the last time games. Clayton Keller has been great this season with 22 goals and 29 assists to lead the club in both categories. Connor Ingram is hopefully close to a return to the crease.
The Leafs understand that this is a possible trap game with the Vegas Golden Knights looming. However, Matthews is motivated to score in front of his hometown fans.
Predictions: Maple Leafs win 5-2.
Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Oilers
TV: TNT; Max; Sportsnet1; Sportsnet
Our featured game has the Bruins taking on the Oilers in a heavyweight matchup. Boston stopped a four-game losing streak with a shootout victory over the Dallas Stars. David Pastrnak has reached the 80-point mark with 35 goals and 45 assists to lead in both categories. Linus Ullmark is the projected starter for the Bruins in this one.
Edmonton is likely to go with Stuart Skinner in between the pipes for this game. The Oilers have won three of the last five games and two straight. Zach Hyman is the team-leader in goals with 33 while Connor McDavid has 62 assists. Edmonton’s defence has tightened up in recent games is sixth in goals allowed while Boston is fifth in that category.
Both teams are close in stats, but the Oilers scratch out the win.
Prediction: Oilers win 3-2.
Here are other NHL predictions for the day.
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 2-1 Sabres
TV: MSG Buffalo; Sportsnet; RDS; ESPN+
Prediction: Sabres win 5-3.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-1 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Bally Sports San Diego; Bally Sports Southern California
Prediction: Ducks win 4-3.
Main photo by: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
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