Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, we will look at the games that are happening and give our predictions for each one. This is the last set of games for March 9th. Make sure also to check out the early group of games. We also offer a featured game of the day, a game that we think is must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions feat. Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Nashville Predators vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Hurricanes 2-0 Predators
Tonight’s set of predictions features four different games from the Discover Central Division. To start, we have the Nashville Predators taking on the Carolina Hurricanes. This will be a tough match-up for the Predators as they head into Raleigh for the third meeting between these two clubs. So far this season, the Hurricanes have the upper hand over the Predators. In their two games played against each other, Carolina won both and allowed only two goals-against in each match. Despite missing Petr Mrazek, the duo of James Reimer and Alex Nedeljkovic has been more than enough to keep the team afloat.
On the other hand, the Predators will look to Filip Forsberg to help lead the charge. With 26 points in 25 games, it is shocking the Predators have made him available for trade talks. Regardless, Forsberg is playing with a purpose and proving that he would be worth it for whoever picks him up if he gets moved.
Hurricanes win 4-1
Florida Panthers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Panthers 1-1 Blue Jackets
Continuing their unexpectedly good season, the Florida Panthers head to Ohio to face-off against the pesky Columbus Blue Jackets. In the first two meetings between these teams, both games went into a shootout. With Columbus allowing the fifth most goals against this season and the Panthers scoring eighth-most goals this season. If the Panther’s top guys Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Carter Verhaeghe get going, it could be a very long night for the Blue Jackets’ defence.
Columbus sits in the fifth spot of the central division. Behind the Blackhawks by five points and no games in hand. Every game matters to them. At the same time, Seth Jones and Zach Werenski are starting to improve on their tough start. The team as a whole could be better. They will have to be extremely disciplined to take on the fast pace Florida team.
Panthers win 3-2
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Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Jets 0-1 Maple Leafs
The Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs marks the second matchup between the two top teams of the Scotia North Division. The first time these two teams met this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to take a 3-1 victory over the Jets. Tonight’s game should be much different. After an embarrassing loss to the struggling Montreal Canadians, the Jets will look to bounce back in a big way. Look for Connor Hellebuyck to take the crease tonight as he ranks seventh across the league in wins this season to date. The team leader in points and assist Mark Scheifele will lead the team while upfront.
On the other side of the ice, the Maple Leafs are merely dominating. As the first-place team in the league, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner play some of their best hockey yet. No matter that everyone is arguing that the North division is weaker. They could be right. However, you can only play the teams on your schedule. Please do not be mad because they are winning. Nonetheless, this matchup with the Winnipeg Jets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs is the definition of must-watch hockey!
Toronto wins 5-3
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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings
Lightning 2-0 Red Wings
The third Central Division matchup of the night will most likely be the most lump-sided game. The Detroit Red Wings currently sit at 30th place across the whole league. In contrast, Tampa Bay sits at second. While this is a significant indicator of the difference between these two teams, watching them play each other is another. The Red Wings are a dangerous team to face during this shortened season. With nothing to lose and nowhere to go, the Wings are playing for themselves and each other. Something that will translate to the organization’s future success, but they will chase teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning for the time being.
Lightning win 3-0
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
Blackhawks 2-0 Stars
In the last game of tonight’s set of predictions, we have two teams that have surprised many across the league but in very different ways. Going into this season, most saw the Chicago Blackhawks as a team at the bottom of the standings. Without Corey Crawford, Kirby Dach, Jonathan Toews, Dylan Strome, and Andrew Shaw. No one was expecting them to be fourth in the division. Yet, ignore all the boo’s, the Blackhawks have shown they are not genuinely rebuilding.
Moving along, the Dallas Stars have been another surprise, but for how poorly they have done. We knew going into the season they would be without Ben Bishop and Tyler Seguin, but we did not expect the reigning Western Conference Champs to be this lacklustre. Even though they have faced a lot of scheduling changes due to things outside anyone’s control. The team is still underperforming when they get on the ice. If they do not find a way to turn things around soon, it could be too late for the Stars.
Blackhawks win 2-1
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
