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 New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series Head-to-Head: Rangers 3-2 Hurricanes
TV: TNT, TruTV, SN East, SNO, SN 360, CBC, TVAS, Sportsnet
Our first and featured game has the Rangers trying to fend off a furious comeback from the Hurricanes. New York had a chance to put the finishing touches on the series twice, but Carolina has won two straight. Could nerves be setting in for the Blueshirts, who have struggled in recent games? Igor Shesterkin will once again draw the start for the Rangers, who are trying to book another Eastern Conference Finals trip. Mika Zibanejad leads the team in points with 13 off three goals and 10 assists. However, there’s going to be a need for the rest of the team to start playing better if they want to avoid Game 7.
Frederik Andersen is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Jake Guentzel has been a menace against the Rangers for his entire playoff career with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina. The Hurricanes have tightened things up at the back and are makings things nervy. Carolina is trying to become the fifth team in NHL history to overturn an 0-3 deficit to win a series. Sebastian Aho leads the team in points with 10 off three goals and seven assists. The Canes are playing with house money and have nothing to lose.
The Rangers have fallen asleep at times in this series since going up 3-0. This one’s heading back or a winner-take-all Game 7.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks
Series Head-to-Head: Oilers 2-2 Canucks
TV: TNT, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC
Our late game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks in a pivotal Game 5 in British Columbia. Calvin Pickard made 19 saves for his first career NHL post-season victory. However, there’s still an air of uncertainty on if he or Stuart Skinner will get the call in the blue paint. Edmonton has the top-three Stanley Cup Playoff scorers in Connor McDavid,Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard. The latter got the game-winner in Game 4 to get the series all knotted up at two apiece. Both teams know that winning this game will mean a lot towards booking a spot in the Western Final.
Arturs Silovs will once again draw the start, but Thatcher Demko could be ready to return sooner rather than later. Head coach Rick Tocchet called out a number of players after the Game 4 loss. This includes superstar forward Elias Pettersson. Will this be a motivating tool or did Tocchet press the wrong button? Elias Lindholm is starting to play like the trade deadline acquisition the Canucks desired him to be. Carson Soucy will also be available after serving his one-game suspension for a cross-check to McDavid at the end of Game 3.
There’s all to play for in this game. However, the Canucks should get the home victory in this one.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got a couple of prop bets for tonight’s games. Let’s go with Artemi Panarin getting the over on +0.5 points while Guentzel does the same for Carolina.
In the late game, take Zach Hyman to get the over on +0.5 goals while we expect Pettersson to bounce back with +0.5 assists.
Main photo by: Brad Penner – USA Today Sports
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