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 New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets
Series: Golden Knights 1-1 Jets
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights try to get home ice back in Game 3. Mark Stone scored twice to help the Golden Knights get the win in Game 2 to even the series. Laurent Brossoit will get the start once again for Vegas, which will still find tough sledding to get Winnipeg starter Connor Hellebuyck. However, always check social media before making a decision on a starting goalie.
The Jets have been very solid on the defensive end for most of the series. Head coach Rick Bowness has installed the structure that was lacking in the previous regime. Hellebuyck is very capable of stealing games and there will be raucous home crowd at the MTS Centre.
Winnipeg is a very tough place to play and it will grab the series lead with the emotional lift.
Prediction: Jets wins 3-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series: Maple Leafs 1-1 Lightning
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also looking to get home-ice back from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Michael Bunting is still out via suspension and Matthew Knies will be in the lineup again. Ilya Samsonov will get the start in goal once again for the Leafs. Toronto got a hat trick from John Tavares in the second game. That matchup was a complete reversal of the humiliating 7-3 home loss in Game 1.
Victor Hedman is a game-time decision for the Lightning, as he took part in morning skate. However, Erik Cernak did not participate in the morning skate prior to Game 3. Andrei Vasilevskiy is hoping to bounce back from a shaky Game 2. Head coach Jon Cooper tried to pull the Russian netminder, but was rebuffed.
Tampa Bay has a knack for bouncing back, but the Hedman question looms large.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Series: Devils 0-2 Rangers
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Devils trying to get back into the series. Akira Schmid is being hinted at as the starter in goal for New Jersey. The Devils settled in after shaky period in Game 1. However, New Jersey was beaten in many facets of the game in the second matchup. New Jersey is young and talented, so they can get back into the series with a strong showing in Game 3. However, the penalty kill will have to perform a lot better if the Devils want to rebound.
Chris Kreider already has four goals in the series and has been a menace on the power play. Patrick Kane turned back the clock in the second game to bolster the Blueshirts lineup. Igor Shesterkin will get the start again and he hasn’t had to turn on his game to the next level for most of the series. Adam Fox has been moving the puck well and the rest of the lineup has been humming along.
The Devils will get the Rangers their best shot, but starting Schmid could be a giant question mark.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken
Series: Avalanche 1-1 Kraken
Alexandar Georgiev is the confirmed starter for the Colorado Avalanche, who woke up late in Game 2. The Seattle Kraken had been playing solid hockey, but the Avs rallied and tied the series. Devon Toews got the game-winning goal and Colorado is back in business.
Philipp Grubauer is once again try to stymie his old team. Yanni Gourde assisted on both goals for the Kraken in Game 2. Those who discounted Seattle are getting a rude awakening.
Seattle’s first taste of playoff hockey will be fun to see, but the champions will get the series lead.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Main photo by: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
