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 Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series: Lightning 1-0 Maple Leafs
Our opening game of NHL predictions has has Tampa Bay Lightning try to go up 2-0 on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tampa Bay’s power-play was absolutely killer after Michael Bunting took a major. The Lightning got the win, but the loss of Erik Cernak and possibly Victor Hedman could loom large. Andrei Vasilevskiy will get the start for a depleted Tampa Bay squad. However, having players like Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov gives the Lightning a chance to will.
Ilya Samsonov will get the start again as the Leafs try to overcome a nightmare start. Leafs fans are already preparing for the worst after a terrible Game 1. Bunting was suspended three games and Matthew Knies will draw into the lineup. Toronto will be a desperate team as it tries to fight its way back into the series.
Tampa Bay was so dominant, but the injuries have made a large dent. Plus, Toronto will be playing a must-win style.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.
New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Series: Rangers 1-0 Devils
The New York Rangers got off to a dream start by wrestling home-ice from the New Jersey Devils. Chris Kreider scored twice to become the Blueshirts all-time leading playoff scorer. Igor Shesterkin looked rock solid in his Game 1 performance and will start again. The Rangers looked like the experienced bunch out there against the young Devils.
New Jersey looked nervous to start, but settled into the game. Jack Hughes did score on a penalty shot for New Jersey, which had to deal with a lot of New York fans invading Newark. However, the Devils should be ready for Game 2 and should play a lot better. Vitek Vanecek will likely get the call in goal for New Jersey.
The Devils should come out with a lot more fire and even the series.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2.
Seattle Kraken vs Colorado Avalanche
Series: Kraken 1-0 Avalanche
The Seattle Kraken stunned the Colorado Avalanche in the opening game thanks to strong play of likely starter Philipp Grubauer. The Kraken’s first Stanley Cup playoff victory came at the hands of surprisingly strong defence. Seattle is playing with house money since it already has home-ice.
Alexandar Georgiev will probably get the call again in goal for the Avalanche. Colorado did get Cale Makar back, but didn’t look like the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Avs will have to find a much better effort if they want to even the series.
However, Colorado has dealt with adversity all season and should bounce back.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-2.
Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series: Jets 1-0 Golden Knights
Our final and featured game of NHL predictions has the Jets looking to take a 2-0 series lead. All four road teams won their respective opening games Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck proved in the opening game that he can steal any game in net. Morgan Barron made himself an online sensation after taking a skate to the face and coming back with 75 stitches. The Jets offence looked in sync for once and could make the club a tough out.
Laurent Brossoit may get the start, but there’s always Jonathan Quick in the background that could start. Vegas struggled to put pucks in the net and that showed in Game 1. The Knights will have to generate traffic in front of Hellebuyck if it wants to even the series. Vegas did get Mark Stone back in the lineup, but there’s always a period of adjustment after a player returns from a long layoff.
The Knights should rebound at home, but it’ll be a low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
