Welcome back to NHL Predictions, March 6th edition! Each day, the Last Word On Hockey team will break down every game and give our NHL predictions for each game. This is the first slate of NHL Predictions for March 6th featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out the second and third slate of NHL Predictions, too.
NHL Predictions Including Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vancouver Canucks
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Rangers 1 – 2 Devils
Another Hudson River rivalry matchup, the New York Rangers take on the New Jersey Devils today. The Rangers had a disappointing start to the season despite their huge pool of young offensive talent. But, in their last couple of games, they’ve managed to take on some big teams and win pretty convincingly. A 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals, 6-2 over the Boston Bruins, and on Thursday a 6-1 win over the Devils. The Rangers seem to have found their stride. The Devils, on the other hand, have done the opposite. Starting off the season fairly strong, they’re currently on a four-game losing streak that won’t end tonight.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Flyers 3 -1 Penguins
The Philadelphia Flyers began the season of strong beating their Pennsylvanian rivals back-to-back. They looked like serious cup contenders at the start of this shortened season. Losing some of their biggest names to the injury put a wrench in their winning. With a record of 12-5-3, the Flyers are looking to reclaim the top spot in the East they had early on. As for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they beat the Flyers for the first time this season on Tuesday, 5-2. But, giving up a three-goal lead on Thursday evidenced their lacklustre defence. The Flyers could be primed to take the two points here today.
Prediction: Flyers win 3-1.
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0 – 4 Islanders
The Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders have faced off four times this season. The Islanders have won all of them. With a record of 6-12-3, the Sabres are the worst team in the league. 12 points out of playoff contention, they seem to have given up. As for the Islanders, spending much of the season in the bottom four of the East Division, they have just moved into second place with a record of 13-6-4. Tied with the Capitals in points, this game should move them into that first spot.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-0.
Florida Panthers vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Panthers 2 – 1 Predators
Since becoming a franchise in 1993, the Florida Panthers have been largely uncompetitive. But, this season they are looking the best they have in years. With a record of 14-4-4, the Panthers currently sit a third in the Central Division. The Panthers have never lacked offensive talent but in past seasons their defence and goaltending just couldn’t. Acquiring Vezina-winner Sergei Bobrovsky this offseason and shoring up their blueline has made a huge difference. As for the Nashville Predators, they’ve had a lousy season for a team that’s been a giant in the Central the past few years. With a record of 10-13-0, they currently sit out of playoff contention by nine points. In Thursday’s game, the Panthers defeated the Predators, 5-4. The Panthers will remain triumphant today.
Prediction: Panthers win 2-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 3 – 1 Canucks
Facing off in their fifth matchup of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks are 3-1 on the season. The Toronto Maple Leafs who leads the league with 38 points have been dominating their fellow Canadian teams. Their offensive production has been off the charts thanks to Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. There is no doubt the Maple Leafs are the team to beat right now. Despite losing just five games on the season, one of those losses was to the Vancouver Canucks.
[pickup_prop id=”3648″]
The Canucks have had a rough time this season. Rivalling the Maple Leafs in young talent, they haven’t been able to pull together. And, with Elias Pettersson being scratched with an upper-body injury for Thursday’s game, it is unclear if he’ll play tonight. If he doesn’t dress, they might not be able to get going tonight, either. However, in their most recent faceoff on Thursday, the Canacuks managed to come out on top, 3-1. While they might have the will to do it again, mediocre defence and goaltending will cost them this win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-2.
Main Photo:
