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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals . Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Capitals
TV: TNT; Max; Sportsnet
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs trying to bounce back against the Capitals. Toronto fell behind early and lost 4-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers last night. Joseph Woll is expected to start after Ilya Samsonov played the night before. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Auston Matthews leads the league in goals with 55, but Mitch Marner will not be in the lineup once again. William Nylander leads the club in assists with 51.
Charlie Lindgren is the confirmed starter for the Capitals, who are 6-4 in the last 10 and won three straight. Washington has found itself back in the Stanley Cup Playoff race despite trading off a couple of players at the deadline. Dylan Strome leads the team in goals with 23, but Alex Ovechkin has spurred the team’s rise up the standings. Ovechkin got his 19th season of 20 goals or more the other night.
It’s a tough game to gauge, but Washington has momentum and Toronto is missing Marner.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-1 Stars
TV: Bally Sports Southwest; Scripps; ESPN+
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Arizona Coyotes visiting the Dallas Stars. Arizona is slated to go with Connor Ingram in goal for this one. The Coyotes are 5-5 in the last 10 and have gotten wins in the last two. Clayton Keller leads the team in goals with 27 while Matias Maccelli is first in assists with 35.
Jake Oettinger is the confirmed starter for the Stars, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. There could be good news on the horizon as Tyler Seguin is a game-time decision for a return to the lineup. However, Jani Hakanpaa is questionable for tonight’s game. Roope Hintz leads the team in goals with 26 while Jason Roberston has 45 assists to lead in that category.
Arizona is looking much better than the team that suffered the double-digit losing streak. However, Dallas seems to be a contender.
Prediction: Stars win 5-2.
Minnesota Wild vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Wild 0-1 Kings
TV: TNT; Max; Sportsnet 1
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Minnesota Wild heading out west to play the Los Angeles Kings. Marc-Andre Fleury is the confirmed starter for Minnesota, which has gone 6-2-2 in the last 10. The Wild are trying to make a Stanley Cup Playoff push with the team three points off the last wild card spot. Kirill Kaprizov leads the team in goals with 36.
David Rittich is the confirmed choice in goal for the Kings, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Rittich has stepped up and won some key games since the All-Star Break. Trevor Moore leads the franchise in goals this season with 25 while Kevin Fiala is first in assists with 38. Los Angeles is dangerous when its defence is playing well. The last three wins have seen the Kings give up two goals or less.. L.A. is third in goals allowed in the NHL this season.
Both teams need the win, but the Kings get the victory with their defensive effort.
Prediction: Kings win 3-2.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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