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 Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for Friday.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1 – 0 Islanders
The Detroit Red Wings blanked the New York Islanders 3-0 in the first meeting of the season. Magnus Hellberg probably gets the start with Ville Husso getting the start the night before. The Wings won two of the last three heading into Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. Dylan Larkin leads the team in goals and assists despite trade rumours.
The Isles have hit a wall and lost six straight games heading into this matchup. Ilya Sorokin likely gets the call in net for the struggling Islanders. New York hasn’t scored more than two goals in the last five games. The Isles need wins to stay in touch in the tough Metropolitan Division.
Detroit is young and talented, but New York finds a way in a low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2.
Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0 – 1 Rangers
Our featured game has the Knights looking to avenge a 5-1 loss to the Rangers. Logan Thompson will likely get the start in goal for the Knights. Vegas has lost four of its last five as it starts to fall closer to the pack in the Pacific Division. The Knights are also dealing with a number of injuries on the blueline. However, the team is still capable of being one of the better ones in the league. Vegas’ power play is 11th in the league at 24 percent.
Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers, who look to rebound from an overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers are still in one of the automatic playoff spots in the Metro. However, they need to do better on home ice if they want to stay in that spot. The Blueshirts are fifth in goals against heading into Thursday’s game, but a lot of that has to do with Shesterkin.
Both teams were hoping to be better than their current status. The Rangers scratch out a close one at home.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-1.
Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Senators 0 – 1 Maple Leafs
The Ottawa Senators have losses in three of their last five but did win in their last time out. Cam Talbot left last games early so likely will not start, but always check social media before setting your lineup. Ottawa is 26th in goals scored but is fourth on the power play.
Ilya Samsonov is the likely starter for the Maple Leafs in goal. Toronto has wins in four of the last five and has been solid on both ends of the ice. The Leafs are seventh in goals for and sixth in goals against. Toronto’s power play is proficient in its own right being 10th in the league.
Rivalry games are always tough to call, but talents like William Nylander and Mitch Marner give the Leafs the edge.
Prediction: Leafs win 4-2.
San Jose Sharks vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Sharks 0 – 1 Hurricanes
The San Jose Sharks come to Raleigh on a three-game losing streak. San Jose will likely call upon James Reimer to start in goal. One positive for the Sharks is they have the third-best penalty kill. They struggle to score and stop goals.
Frederik Andersen could miss time in goal, so Antti Raanta is the possible starter for the Carolina Hurricanes. They’ve won four of the last five, including three straight. The Canes are third in goals against and are under 10 regulation losses this season.
Carolina is one of the standard-bearers in the East and should get a win. Try a Brent Burns scoring on his old team prop bet as well.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1.
Los Angeles Kings vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Kings 0 – 1 Panthers
Our final game of the night features the Los Angeles Kings versus the Florida Panthers. Pheonix Copley will probably get the start for the Kings. Los Angeles holds one of the three automatic playoff places in the Pacific Division. Both teams are tied for eighth in power-play efficiency at 24.3 percent.
Alex Lyon will start for the injury-depleted Panthers. Both Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight are missing and Lyon has to shoulder the load. Florida is fifth in goals for, but 27th in goals allowed.
Both teams are fighting to stay in the mix, but the Kings are stable on defence.
Prediction: Kings win 4-3.
