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 Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
Series Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-1 Bruins
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS, NESN
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs trying to pick up the pieces after a 5-1 loss on Saturday night. Ilya Samsonov is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. William Nylander and Bobby McMann were both out for Game 1, but Nylander was taking part in the morning skate. Toronto’s 298 goals in the regular season were four off the NHL lead. However, they looked lost in Game 1.
Linus Ullmark is the projected starter in Game 2, but Jeremy Swayman looked great in Game 1. Swayman improved to 4-0 with a .962 save percentage against the 2023-24 Leafs. Boston got goals from unexpected sources to start the game before pulling away. It’s never a good sign when players like John Beecher are outscoring Auston Matthews.
If Nylander plays, that gives Toronto some hope. However, Sheldon Keefe has to make some major adjustments to the lineup.
Prediction: Bruins with 4-2.
New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-1 Hurricanes
TV: ESPN2, SN 360, TVAS, BSSO, MSGSN
The New York Islanders go back to Semyon Varlamov in Game 2 to stem the tide. Carolina took the series-opener, 3-1, thanks to solid defence and goaltending. Kyle MacLean got the only goal for the Islanders, who need to get some more offensive production.
Frederik Andersen is the likely starter in between the pipes for the Carolina Hurricanes. Brady Skjei dished out a pair of assists for the Hurricanes while Evgeny Kuznetsov notched a goal and an assist. Stefan Noesen and Martin Necas also provided markers.
The Isles will come out firing like all Patrick Roy teams do after a loss. However, the Canes are a great team.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2
Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars
Season Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 3-0 Stars
TV: ESPN, SN 360, TVAS, BSSW, Scripps
It’s Game 1 of the Vegas Golden Knights versus Dallas Stars series. Vegas swept the season-series, but this is a whole new Dallas team. Adin Hill is likely to get the call for the defending champions. Mark Stone is likely ready for Game 1 much to the annoyance of other teams around the league. Jonathan Marchessault led the team in goals with 42 on the season.
Jake Oettinger likely gets the call in this game for the Stars, who were one point from tying the New York Rangers for the President’s Trophy. Dallas has looked nothing like the team that got swept in the season series. Wyatt Johnston led the team with 32 goals while Jason Robertson dished out 51 assists.
This game is going to be tough to call, but Dallas gets off to a good start in the series.
Prediction: Stars win 4-3.
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Season Head-to-Head: Kings 1-3 Oilers
TV: ESPN2, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS, BSSC
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Los Angeles Kings visiting the Edmonton Oilers. Cam Talbot is the expected starter for the Kings, who edged the Golden Knights for third in the Pacific Division. Trevor Moore led the team in goals with 31 while Adrian Kempe led the club in assists with 47.
Stuart Skinner is the slated starter for the Oilers, who had the Kings number in recent years. However, the post-season is a different animal. Zach Hyman leads the team in goals while Connor McDavid was the fourth player to notch 100 assists in a season.
Los Angeles is a game team, but Edmonton’s weapons like Leon Draisaitl will get the job done.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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