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 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out our other NHL Predictions for Wednesday.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Rangers 2-0 Flyers
The New York Rangers have thrown down the gauntlet to win its first Stanley Cup since 1994. Newly acquired star Patrick Kane will be in the lineup for the Blueshirts against the Flyers. Jaroslav Halak will likely get the start in goal, but always check social media before setting your fantasy lineup. Could there be some period of adjustment while all these Rangers’ stars mesh? It’s possible, but there’s a lot of talent on the ice. Keep an eye on the Rangers blueline as K’Andre Miller is suspended and Ryan Lindgren is out.
The Philadelphia Flyers could turn to Samuel Ersson to start in this game. Philadelphia has lost four of its last five games and could make some moves at the deadline. Divisional games are always tough to gauge and the Rangers’ losses on the blueline could give the Flyers a chance. Philadelphia will have to get better at converting extra-man chances with the last-ranked power play.
The Rangers might have to score their way to a win, but should here.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Oilers
The first of a home-and-home series between two teams that are loading up to finally get over the hump in the Playoffs. Edmonton rolled the dice to get their hands on Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators. Connor McDavid surpassed the 50-goal mark, but the Oilers have lost three of their last five games. Stuart Skinner is slated to be the starter in goal for Edmonton. This game has goals written all over it as the Oilers have the top-ranked offence. Ekholm will hopefully settle down a defence that’s 20th in the league.
Ilya Samsonov is scheduled to be the starter in goal for the Maple Leafs. Toronto has won four of its last five games and the patchwork defence has given up a single goal in three of those wins. The Leafs will have a couple new faces, including Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty. Toronto wants to finally get past the first round for the first time since 2004. William Nylander leads the team in goals with 33 and Mitch Marner is tops in assists.
The over/under of 6.5 seems to be a reachable number and Toronto is 6-0-1 on the road against Edmonton.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-4.
Arizona Coyotes vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-2 Stars
The Arizona Coyotes will start Connor Ingram with this game being the second part of back-to-back games. Arizona did get a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the last outing. The Coyotes have showed some promise, but they’ll likely move some more players before the deadline on Friday.
Jake Oettinger is likely to get the start in goal for the Dallas Stars. The team has lost four of its last five and some fans are looking general manager Jim Nill to make a move. Jason Robertson leads in goals and assists for the club, but needs other forwards to step in and help him out.
Dallas needs wins and should get one here. However, it’s not going to be easy. Arizona will give its best effort.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2 in a shootout.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
