Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, we will take a look at the games that are happening and give our predictions for each one. This is the first of three sets of predictions tonight. Be sure to check out the other two on the site too. As well, we also offer a featured game of the day, which is a game that we think is must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders.
NHL Predictions: Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0 – 0 Devils
This is the first meeting of the season between the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins. And it’s been over a year since these two teams locked up in regular-season play. Prior to the NHL shutting down because of COVID-19, the Penguins defeated the Devils by a score of 5-2. For a period of time, the Devils for some reason had the Penguins’ number. New Jersey won seven of nine games against Pittsburgh. The Penguins have won the last two games these teams have played. This will be an interesting matchup for sure. The Devils snapped their 11-game home losing streak against the Sabres on Tuesday night. New Jersey could give a Penguins’ team fits that could be missing several key players including Evgeni Malkin. However, the Penguins have enough depth to win this one.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-2
Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Boston 0 – 0 Sabres
Another first-time matchup this season, as the Boston Bruins battle the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are in the midst of a 12-game losing streak and just fired head coach Ralph Krueger to shake things up in Western New York. They are going to need a lot more than that against a good Boston team. Something is just not clicking for the Sabres this season. And while the East is a tough division, guys like Taylor Hall and Jeff Skinner, no one to be found on the scoresheet on a consistent basis. Not to mention Jack Eichel is out with an injury. The Bruins on the other hand continue to show why they are a consistent playoff team each year. And while they have some weaknesses, the development of their prospects is paying dividends. Especially a guy like Trent Frederic. Look for Boston to extend the losing streak.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2 – 1 Blue Jackets
This is an interesting matchup in the Central Division between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes. This is a big game for the Blue Jackets who are just four points out of the final playoff spot. Consistency has been a problem for the Blue Jackets this season. And while Patrik Laine can score goals for them, sometimes his play in the defensive end makes him an easy target for the head coach. Between the pipes, Columbus has to be better especially against a hungry Hurricanes’ team who has visions of winning this division. Carolina with a win gets into first place for the moment. One guy that has been impressive this season for the Hurricanes has been Vincent Trocheck. He has 24 points in 24 games and trails only Sebastian Aho for the team lead. This was such a great get for Carolina. Look for this one to be another low-scoring affair and for the Canes to come out with the win.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 2-1
Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Flyers 2 – 0 Islanders
The game of the night sees the Philadelphia Flyers vs the New York Islanders in a battle of East Division teams. The Islanders are looking to get back on track after a loss in Washington on Tuesday night. While the Flyers will be playing the second of back-to-back games. New York received some tough news as they have lost Anders Lee for the rest of the season. It will be tough for New York to replace that scoring, but they figured out how to do it on their nine-game winning streak. It is going to be the next man-up mentality for Barry Trotz’s troops. Maybe guys like Oliver Wahlstrom or Keiffer Bellows find their way onto the scoresheet consistently. Having Jean-Gabriel Pageau back will help. The key is will be can Noah Dobson come off the COVID list and play?
On the other side of the coin, the Flyers are looking to rebound after losing three of their last five games. They squeaked out a victory Monday night in New York. Consistency is a problem for the Flyers, especially between the pipes. Carter Hart is a shell of himself. And the biggest issue for him is winning games on the road. With Brian Elliott getting the nod on Wednesday night’s resounding 9-0 loss to the Rangers, the Flyers will turn to Hart against the Islanders. While Joel Farabee is playing great, the Flyers need more from Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, and Sean Couturier. That is a key to their success. This should be another close game, with the Islanders winning.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-3
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