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 Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions: February 15th Including Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
St. Louis Blues vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Senators
In the first meeting of the season between these two teams, both are coming into this game in good form. The Blues have been above average and the Senators continue to get improved play from their goalies, seeing them pull out impressive wins for such a young team.
With how well Matt Murray and Anton Forsberg have been performing, and a balanced roster of scoring options, Ottawa could pose quite the threat to St Louis. Goaltending will likely tip the scales in this one, so if Jordan Binnington gets the nod, expect Ottawa to win.
Prediction: Senators win 3-2
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Flyers 0-2 Penguins
While in years past this would have been a tight contest, it doesn’t shape up to be that way. Philadelphia has been quite terrible this season, and in their last 10 games, they have gone 2-7-1. This is, in large part, due to the fact that they are bottom 10 in the league in special teams, scoring, and goals allowed.
When you look at how bad the Flyers have been and you take into account the offensive talent that the Penguins have, this is an easy prediction. Expect to see the usual suspects on the scoresheet in what could be a big win.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-1
New York Islanders vs Buffalo Sabres
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Sabres
Both of these teams are firmly out of the playoff picture, and neither looks like they will challenge for a spot this season either. Both the Sabres and the Islanders have been .500 or worse in their last 10 games, and neither has a winning record this season. This is a matchup that will likely only be watched by fans of the respective organizations.
If Ilya Sorokin can put out a good performance and get a bit of scoring support, this should be a win for the Islanders.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Lightning 1-1 Devils
This is arguably the most lopsided matchup of the day. The Lightning have been stellar this season, and once again look like Stanley Cup contenders. For the Devils, this has been another season to forget, with very little going the right way for them.
With the loss of Mackenzie Blackwood to a heel injury, the Devils’ goaltending has been atrocious. This is going to play a huge factor, as the Lightning are currently averaging almost three and a half goals per game. Expect a big win for Tampa Bay.
Prediction: Lightning win 6-2
Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
Head-t0-Head: Bruins 0-1 Rangers
For the featured matchup of the day, we have the Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers. This is going to make for some very good hockey to watch for fans of the organizations and neutral fans alike.
The Bruins haven’t been stellar as of late, going 5-4-1 in their last 10. Despite that, they have been largely quite good this season. Special teams have played a large role in their success, with their power play sitting in sixth and their penalty kill at 11th respectively. Aside from that, expect David Pastrnak and Linus Ullmark to play large roles in what is going to be an important game.
The Rangers have been stellar this season. They have gotten fantastic play from goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who currently sports a 22-5-2 record, putting him firmly in Vezina Trophy chats. On top of great goaltending, they have also gotten stellar play from the likes of Artemi Panarin (13-39-52), Mika Zibanejad (18-31-49), and multiple others. Stopping their offence is going to be a tall task for the Bruins.
With how well Shesterkin has been playing this season and a potent offence, this game favours the Rangers.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1
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