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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Los Angeles Kings. Be sure to check out our other two sets of predictions.
We want to wish our American readers a very Happy and safe Thanksgiving.
NHL Predictions With Toronto Maple Leafs vs Los Angeles Kings
Edmonton Oilers vs. Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Coyotes
The Oilers will be coming off a back-t0-back against the Dallas Stars, so watch the internet for who gets the start. Stuart Skinner will start if Mikko Koskinen does against the Stars and vice versa. Edmonton thumped Arizona, 5-1, in their first meeting with Connor McDavid getting two goals and an assist. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins handed out three assists and Koskinen picked up the win with 27 saves. The Oilers’ power play is terrifying with a nearly 40-percent success rate.
Arizona is playing better with wins in two straight and three of its last five. However, it’s still going to be a long season in the desert for the Dawgs. The Coyotes are near or at the bottom of every major offensive and defensive category.
Edmonton may be susceptible to an upset due to two games in two nights. However, the Oilers offence is lethal and could put some points up here.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-1.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Kraken
It’s the Ron Francis Bowl as the Kraken take on the former team that he played on and was general manager for. The Canes have won four of their last five, but are coming off a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks. Carolina is tied for the most points in the league coming into Tuesday’s action with the Florida Panthers. Anthony DeAngelo has enjoyed a revival season with 12 assists and the defence is best in goals against with 34.
It’s been a rough rookie season for the expansion Kraken. Seattle and Arizona look to be adrift in the Pacific Division and its second-worst goals allowed (68) has been a big factor. Jordan Eberle leads in goals with nine while Jaden Schwartz has 12 assists. Philipp Grubauer has struggled in net after that monster off-season contract.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-1 Kings
Our feature game has the red-hot Leafs come into Southern California with wins in four of their last five. Two of those victories have come via shutouts as Joseph Woll picked up his first career shutout in a 3-0 win over the New York Islanders. John Tavares and Mitch Marner have bounced back after slow starts and now lead in goals and assists, respectively. Both clubs are in the top 10 in goals against.
Phillip Danault scored twice in the earlier 5-1 win at Scotiabank Arena. However, the Kings have slowed right down with four consecutive losses. Los Angeles has scored two goals or less in three of those four setbacks. Anze Kopitar leads in goals and assists and Jonathan Quick has found the fountain of youth with a 1.88 goals-against-average and .939 save percentage.
Toronto is on fire and Los Angeles is struggling. The Leafs get the win back in this one.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-1.
Ottawa Senators vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-1 Sharks
Our final game before the one-day American Thanksgiving break. Ottawa is trying to regain its footing after a COVID-19 outbreak. They lost their last game in a wild 7-5 game against the Colorado Avalanche. The Senators are in the bottom half of the league in goals for and against. Joshua Norris leads with seven goals while Drake Batherson is tops in assists with nine.
San Jose got a 2-1 win in the first meeting between the two teams. Logan Couture and Kevin Labanc each scored in the second period to complete a rally. The Sharks have been a surprise team this year, but have lost three of their last five. James Reimer has had a good season with a 1.87 GAA and a .940 save percentage.
Ottawa is still trying to find its legs while San Jose is coming off a win over Carolina.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-2.
