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 Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers. 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 1-1 Bruins
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC, NESN
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a critical Game 3. Jeremy Swayman will likely get the start to continue the Bruins goalie rotation. Charlie McAvoy leads the team with three assists while David Pastrnak finally got one the scoresheet last time out. Jake DeBrusk has scored three goals and added two assists over the last 10 games.
There’s still no word on if William Nylander or Bobby McMann‘s status as of press time. Ilya Samsonov looked much more comfortable in Game 2 as the Leafs got a much-needed road victory. Auston Matthews got a big game-winnning goal to hand Toronto the home ice advantage. However, Boston is going to come full force in Game 3.
This series seems earmarked for six or seven games. Swayman’s numbers against the Leafs are tremendous and the Bruins bounce back.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars
Series Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Stars
TV: ESPN, SN 360, TVAS, BSSW, Scripps
The Vegas Golden Knights played the villain to a tee in the opening game against the Dallas Stars. Mark Stone opened the scoring and the Knights were the first team to win a road game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Logan Thompson drew the start in the opener and will likely do it again. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Jack Eichel dished out two assists in Game 1.
Jake Oettinger will likely get the start once again for Dallas, which got off to a slow start in the series-opener. The Stars did make things interesting later on, but the shaky opening cost them home ice. Jamie Benn, Jason Robertson and Mason Marchment each scored for Dallas in Game 1.
Dallas is good at making adjustments and will finally get its first win over the season against Vegas.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Series Head-to-Head: Kings 0-1 Oilers
TV: TBS, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC, Bally Sports West
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Kings trying to figure things out after a 7-4 loss in the first game. Cam Talbot is expected to get the start once again, but David Rittich could be waiting in the wings. Adrian Kempe did record a goal and an assist to pace the Kings offence. However, the team is going to need to tighten things up on defence if it wants to get back into the series.
Stuart Skinner is the projected starter in the blue paint for Edmonton. Zach Hyman notched a post-season hat trick and Connor McDavid registered five assists for the Oilers. Evan Bouchard also recorded four assists for Edmonton, which is looking for another series victory over Los Angeles. The Oilers’ power play looked lethal in converting three out of four chances.
Los Angeles will have to play better on the back end, but Edmonton might have some scoring depth that its been seeking for years.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
