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 Dallas Stars vs the Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions: Dallas Stars vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Anaheim Ducks vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0 – 0 Ducks
Two teams are in polar opposite spectrums of the hockey universe. The rebuilding Anaheim Ducks squad enters Boston and takes on a veteran team full of experience. Anaheim is coming off three defeats in the New York/New Jersey area and is looking to right the ship. Boston is coming off its first loss and is looking to rebound on home ice. Despite being without some key players in the lineup, they are off to an excellent start to the season. The stars will display as young guns Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish take on David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. Should be a good night of hockey in the city of Boston.
Prediction: Bruins defeat Ducks 5-1
Arizona Coyotes vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0 – 0 Canadiens
The Connor Bedard bowl. Both teams come in with young teams headed in a similar direction. Martin St. Louis has the Habs playing good hockey early on to start the season, as they come into tonight with a 2-2 record. Their attack is led by Cole Caufield, who is poised for a big season under his new coach. Arizona has one win under its belt, and it is no secret that they are in for a long rebuild. Clayton Keller remains a force in their offensive attack. Arizona comes into tonight with the third-best power play in the league (38.5% success rate). It will not be the most enticing matchup to watch but it does offer something to draw you in, to say the least.
Prediction: Canadiens defeat Coyotes 4-2
Los Angeles Kings vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Kings 0 – 0 Penguins
The coolest of the NHL Predictions takes us down memory lane in some capacity. The battle of some of the two best teams during the 2010s. At one point, these two teams were at the top of the hockey world. Both teams come in with a blend of veterans that highlight this matchup. Sidney Crosby vs Anze Kopitar. Evgeni Malkin vs Phillip Danault. Kris Letang vs Drew Doughty. It’ll be a great game in that regard. Some excellent talent hockey fans have appreciated for a long time. Both teams are off to good starts and will look to keep pace in their competitive divisions.
Prediction: Penguins defeat Kings 4-3
San Jose Sharks vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0 – 0 Rangers
The San Jose Sharks continue their road trip in the metro area. Coming off of a loss to the New York Islanders, they continue to stay in New York and take on the red-hot Rangers. Searching for their first win will not come easy. You always think about netminder Igor Shesterkin, but the stars on Broadway are centre Mika Zibanejad and winger Artemi Panarin. Panarin leads the league in points (10), and Zibanejad is second (8) and is also tied for first in the league in goals scored. If San Jose wants to leave Manhattan with a win, shutting down these two would be the place to start.
Prediction: Rangers defeat Sharks 5-2
Washington Capitals vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Capitals 0 – 0 Senators
Both teams are looking to find their way to begin the year. The Ottawa Senators finally got their first win last night against Boston in a high-scoring affair. Washington is 2-2 coming into the matchup, looking to gain ground in the competitive Metropolitan Divison. Each team’s forward group highlights this matchup. Alexander Ovechkin is must watch hockey as he is chasing greatness and closing in on 800 goals for his career. Ottawa boasts hometown newcomer Claude Giroux and trade acquisition Alex DeBrincat. Washington has the edge in goal with Darcy Kuemper and that should give them the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Senators defeat Capitals 4-3
Dallas Stars vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Stars 0 – 0 Maple Leafs
The NHL Predictions conclude with the game of the night. Tonight’s featured game is between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The surprise team led by new head coach Pete DeBoer takes on the Leafs in the heart of Canada. Dallas enters the game as one of the only teams remaining with a 3-0 record. Toronto comes in 2-2 but has been dealt a blow as Matt Murray is on injured reserve.
The forward groups are unique. Auston Matthews is must-watch hockey, and his partner in crime, Mitch Marner, is with him. Arguably the greatest Leaf of all time is must-watch hockey after scoring 60 goals last season. Toronto has excellent complimentary pieces in Tavares and Nylander, making Toronto dangerous. Dallas boasts a potent attack of their own highlighted by Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Mason Marchment. All three are tied for the team lead in points (5). Each team has an offensive dynamo on the back end. Miro Heiskanen and Morgan Rielly spearhead the back end for both teams.
The thing that gives Dallas the edge is the goaltending. Jake Oettinger is proving that his playoff performance is no fluke. And to begin this season, he is picking up where he left off after that Game Seven defeat. He leads the league in goals saved above expected (4.8) and owns a save percentage of .966 with a 1.00 goals-against average. Dallas also has only allowed three even-strength goals. Should be a great matchup in the first two meetings.
Prediction: Stars defeat Maple Leafs 5-3
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