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 Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils.
NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils
Carolina Hurricanes vs Montreal Canadiens
Head to Head: Hurricanes 1-0 Canadiens
Our first game on the NHL Predictions features a powerhouse. The Carolina Hurricanes travel to take on the Montreal Canadiens. Carolina won their last matchup in Carolins as they honoured Cam Ward.
Montreal is injury-plagued, but they are a competitive group that shows no quit. However, this Carolina squad is a force to be reckoned with. They blew Tampa Bay out of the sky in a 6-0 victory and held them to four shots in two periods. As competitive as Montreal is, they are no match for this storm.
Prediction: Hurricanes defeat Canadiens 4-1
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head to Head: Blue Jackets 0-2 Penguins
Our next matchup on the NHL Predictions is a metropolitan division matchup. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets. This game means a lot more to the Penguins as the gap for the wild card slot is closing in.
Each team will have a new look to them. Columbus has made some key departures, and Ron Hextall wasted no time adding to his squad. This will be their second game since the deadline ended. Every two points matters, but it should not be a problem to secure them.
Prediction: Penguins defeat Blue Jackets 4-2
Philadelphia Flyers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head to Head: Flyers 1-1 Lightning
It has been a tough few days for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They are coming off back to back defeats, which includes a butt-kicking to the Carolina Hurricanes. The trio of Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Brayden Point got benched, and then the team got shutout. In addition, they have lost 8 of their last 10 games. Not ideal at this time of the year. It also came at a price as Victor Hedman left the game and did not return Sunday.
The Philadelphia Flyers are playing spoiler. They are fighting for their right to Connor Bedard at this rate. For a team looking to right the ship, this is the place to start.
Prediction: Lightning defeat Flyers 5-0
Vegas Golden Knights vs Florida Panthers
Head to Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Panthers
Our next game on the NHL Predictions is a heavy-weight battle. The Vegas Golden Knights take on the Florida Panthers. Both teams are fighting for playoff positions and this game will have playoff vibes to it.
Florida was relatively quiet this deadline, but Vegas was busy. One player that has fit in nicely in Ivan Barbashev. The former Blues forward has five points in four games with the club. Anthony Duclair has returned for Florida which is a a huge boost. Vegas is going through an injury-riddled crease, but Adin Hill and newcomer Jonathan Quick have performed well. With Spencer Knight out, Sergei Bobrovsky will be leaned on heavily. All around this has the makings of a great hockey game.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Golden Knights 4-3
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New Jersey Devils
Head to Head: Maple Leafs 1-1 Devils
Our featured game on the NHL Predictions is a playoff calibre matchup. The New Jersey Devils take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is the third meeting between the two teams, with each winning once.
The Devils return home after an impressive three-game road trip. They went 2-0-1 on that trip and come home with great news. Timo Meier made his debut and scored a goal in his first game as a Devil. He now makes his debut at Prudential Center and that place will be rocking.
Like the Devils, the Maple Leafs made big splashes of their own. Highlighted by Ryan O’Reilly, this Toronto team has a different look to it. The rest will come at a good time after a blowout loss to Vancouver. A good goaltending matchup is on deck with Ilya Samsonov projected to start. With the added rest, Vitek Vanecek could take the crease as both former Washington goalies go head-to-head.
Prediction: Devils defeat Maple Leafs 4-2
Main Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
