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 Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-0 Panthers
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, TVAS, SNO, CBC
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins looking to steal a second game against the Florida Panthers. Jeremy Swayman will once again get the call in between the pipes for the Bruins. However, always double check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Boston reeled off five straight goals after falling behind in Game 1. The Bruins looked ready to go after a tough seven-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pavel Zacha and Mason Lohrei each collected two points for the Bruins in the opening game of the series. Brad Marchand is the team’s leader in points during the post-season.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the likely starter for the Panthers, who were just overrun in the second and third periods. Florida looked like they’ve been off for a week in the latter stages of the game. Matthew Tkachuk started the scoring for the Panthers, but three goals in less than seven minutes of the second period cost the hosts the victory. There’s no word as of yet on the status of forward Sam Bennett for Game 2.
Florida knows its all hands on deck to tie the series. Going down 0-2 to Boston is something the defending Eastern Conference champions don’t want to do.
Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks
Season Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-4 Canucks
TV: ESPN, CBC, Sportsnet, TVAS, SN 360
Our final and featured game has the Oilers trying to finally beat the Canucks for the first time in the 2023-24 season. Edmonton was outscored by an NFL-like 21-7 by Vancouver in the four previous encounters. However, the post-season is an entirely different animal. The Oilers took down the Los Angeles Kings in five games to book a spot in the last eight. Stuart Skinner is slated to get the start in goal for the Oilers. Connor McDavid racked up 12 points in round one, including 11 assists. Zach Hyman tallied seven goals while Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard put up loads of points for Edmonton.
Arturs Silovs is the likely starter after shutting out the Nashville Predators in the clinching Game 6. Thatcher Demko is out until at least Game 5, so Silovs and Casey DeSmith will have to be at their best for Vancouver. Both Canucks goalies know they’ll have to be on point if they want to stop an Oilers team that’s found their scoring touch. Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller each have six points to lead the club while Quinn Hughes has dished out five assists.
Both teams have been off for a while, so they could each get off the blocks with a slow start. However, both teams are looking to get the Game 1 advantage. We’ll go with Edmonton due to their offensive firepower.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Let’s give you a couple of prop bets for tonight’s action. In the opener, go with David Pastrnak with the over on +3.5 shots tonight while we’ll go with Aleksander Barkov on +0.5 points.
For the late matchup, take McDavid with the over on +1.5 assists while we’ll go with Elias Pettersson on +0.5 points.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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