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 for NHL Predictions is the New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Predictions
Boston Bruins vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head Bruins 0 – 0 Lightning
The Boston Bruins enter the game as the NHL’s best team. The Bruins lead the league in both goals with 75 goals scored and goals against with 37 goals allowed. Boston’s schedule has been pretty favourable this far; however, tonight’s game marks a stretch of games against strong opponents. Boston has a 16-2-0 record, while the Tampa Bay Lightning holds a record of 10-6-1.
Tampa Bay is led offensively by Nikita Kucherov, who has nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points through 17 games. Defenceman Mikhail Sergachev has been enjoying a solid season scoring four goals and 13 assists to average a point per game through 17 games.
Boston proves how good they are in one of their first true tests this season. Expect the Bruins to beat the Lightning as Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is still struggling to find his elite level of play.
Bruins win 3-2
Calgary Flames vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head Flames 0 – 0 Flyers
After losing on Saturday night, the Philadelphia Flyers enter this contest riding a six-game losing streak. The Flyers gave up a devasting game-tying goal with just 1.9 seconds remaining on Saturday. The Calgary Flames suffered a seven-game losing streak before picking up some victories more recently. Nazem Kadri is tied for the team lead in points with Elias Lindholm.
With both teams heading in opposite directions, look for Darryl Sutter‘s Flames to pick up a win over the free-falling Flyers.
Calgary wins 4-1
Edmonton Oilers vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head Oilers 0 – 1 Devils
The best player in the world takes on one of the hottest teams in the league in this case. The New Jersey Devils have won an astonishing 12 straight games and only trail the Bruins by two points in the standings. Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist en route to a 4-3 overtime win on Saturday night. McDavid now has a league-leading 32 points in 17 games played. The Oilers have had a mediocre first quarter of the season. Look for Jack Hughes and the Devils’ to continue their winning streak as they exploit the Oilers’ goaltending.
New Jersey won the first meeting against the Oilers by a score of 4-3. Expect them to pick up the victory once again as they continue their winning streak.
Devils win 5-4
Carolina Hurricanes vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head Hurricanes 0 – 0 Jets
The Carolina Hurricanes received some excellent news as off-season acquisition Max Pacioretty resumed skating last week. The Hurricanes fire many shots on the net, each game averaging 36.5 shots per game. Despite the high volume of shots Carolina’s shooting percentage ranks 31st of 32, at 8.1%.
The Winnipeg Jets were blanked on Saturday, losing 3-0. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck has regained his Vezina form and he gives the Jets a chance to win every night. Nikolaj Ehlers will undergo sports hernia surgery and has no timetable for a return.
Look for Carolina to hand the Jets a loss in this one.
Hurricanes win 4-2
New York Islanders vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head Islanders 0 – 0 Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off a massive 5-2 victory. Toronto now sits second in the Atlantic Division with a 10-5-4 record. Reigning NHL MVP Auston Matthews has potted seven goals on the season but is due for a big offensive night. Across the pond, the Leafs’ competition is the New York Islanders. The Islanders are coming off a 5-2 loss on Saturday.
After an off-season where the Islanders cut ties with head coach Barry Trotz, the team has responded quite well to new coach Lane Lambert. The Islanders currently are sitting in third place in the Metropolitan division. The Islanders are allowing 2.67 goals against per game, ranking fifth in the league.
Toronto Captain John Tavares has now played eight games against his former club. He has two goals and two assists in those games. This season Tavares has gotten off to a hot start offensively, posting nine goals and nine assists for 18 points through 18 games.
Maple Leafs win 4-3
One more time for our Captain potting 400 👏 pic.twitter.com/PNHPHyltqL
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) November 16, 2022
