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 with Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-0 Bruins
The last time the two teams played each other, the Rangers won 2-1 in a shootout Feb 15. Before that, New York won 5-2 on Nov. 26.
The Bruins were shut out by the Penguins in their last game. Boston is led by Brad Marchand, who has 73 points in 66 games, and David Pastrnak, who has 71 points in 69 games.
The Rangers have won their past four games. New York is led by Artemi Panarin, who has 96 points in 73 games, and Mika Zibanejad, who has 79 points in 78 games. New York does have some injury concerns coming down the stretch.
Both teams have already clinched a playoff spot, but win a win for either team would improve their spot in the standings. The Rangers could move up to first in the Metropolitan Division, while the Bruins could get closer to getting out of a wild-card spot.
Prediction: 3-1 Rangers
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-1 Islanders
The last time they played each other, the Sabres won 6-3 on Feb. 15. Dylan Cozens had three points. Before that, the Islanders beat Buffalo 4-1 on Dec. 30. Mathew Barzal had three points.
The Sabres are on a three-game winning streak. Tage Thompson leads the team with 65 points in 75 games. Jeff Skinner is next with 60 points in 77 games.
New York has lost its past three games. Brock Nelson leads the team with 58 points in 68 games. Barzal is right behind him with 53 points in 68 games.
Neither team is going to make the playoffs. The Islanders are closer with 80 points in 77 games. Buffalo has 71 points in 79 games.
Prediction: 3-2 Sabres
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-1 Red Wings
The last time the two teams played each other, the Penguins won 11-2 on March 27. Evgeni Malkin had four points. Before that, Detroit beat Pittsburgh 3-2 in a shootout Jan. 28.
The Red Wings lost their last game to the Panthers. Detroit is led by Dylan Larkin, who has 69 points in 71 games, and Tyler Bertuzzi, who has 57 points in 65 games.
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The Penguins shut out the Bruins in their last game. Pittsburgh is led by Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby, who both have 82 points. Guentzel has played in 72 games, while Crosby has played in 65. Tristan Jarry won’t be available for the Pens, so Casey DeSmith likely gets the call.
The Penguins have clinched a playoff spot, but the Red Wings won’t come close.
Prediction: 5-2 Penguins
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-1 Hurricanes
The last time the two teams played each other, the Hurricanes won 2-1 on Jan. 29. Before that, New Jersey beat Carolina 7-4 on Jan. 22. Ryan Graves and Andreas Johnsson had three points each.
The Devils lost their last game to the Sabres. New Jersey is led by Jesper Bratt, who has 70 points in 72 games, and captain Nico Hischier, who has 58 points in 68 games.
The Hurricanes have won their past two games. Carolina is led by Sebastian Aho, who has 78 points in 75 games, and Andrei Svechnikov, who has 68 points in 75 games.
The Hurricanes have clinched a playoff spot, but the Devils won’t get close.
Prediction: 4-1 Hurricanes
