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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers. Keep checking our NHL predictions throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils
Series: Hurricanes 2-0 Devils
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Carolina Hurricanes looking to take a stanglehold in this series. Frederik Andersen has been good in net, but the whole defensive structure has been very helpful. Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored twice for the Hurricanes in the second game and the Canes are once again surviving without injured forwards. Carolina has only yielded one goal per game in the first two games of the conference semifinals. It’s going to be a long day for the Devils if the Hurricanes are allowed to control the game.
Akira Schmid was chased for the second straight game, but is slated to get the start. However, there could be some chatter about starting Vitek Vanecek in goal. New Jersey did drop the first two games of the last series to the New York Rangers. However, they came roaring back to eventually win the series. The Devils offence will have the advantage of the last change, but will need to get some offence going.
Carolina has looked strong, but New Jersey won’t go down without a fight.
Prediction: Devils win 3-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Series: Maple Leafs 0-2 Panthers
Our featured game has the Maple Leafs trying to get a foothold in the series. Matthew Knies will be out of the lineup due to a concussion. Ilya Samsonov is the projected starter once again for the Maple Leafs. Toronto has played well in stretches, but one 50-second stretch may have cost the team Game 2. The pressure is on the Leafs to get back into the series. They were the favourites going into the series, but could be on the ropes if they lose. Players like William Nylander, John Tavares and others are going to have to step up if Toronto wants to cut into the series lead.
Sergei Bobrovsky will be back in goal once again for the Panthers. Florida has been opportunistic and cashed in on Toronto’s mistakes. Matthew Tkachuk has been a monster in the middle of the ice and carried the Panthers. Brandon Montour has found his game and become a force on the blueline. Contributions have come from many places in the Panthers’ lineup. Toronto will have a hard time focusing on one group, but the main mission is to stop Tkachuk.
Toronto has shown plenty of fight, but Florida takes command in this one.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Dallas Stars vs Seattle Kraken
Series: Stars 1-1 Kraken
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Dallas Stars visiting the Seattle Kraken. Joe Pavelski has been a man on a mission for Dallas since returning from injuries. Jake Oettinger will once again get the start in between the pipes for the Stars. The Dallas goalie was much better in the second game after a shaky Game 1. Roope Hintz leads the team in points with 13 and Tyler Seguin has eight.
Philipp Grubauer is the likely starter for the Kraken, who are trying to shake off a 4-2 loss. Yanni Gourde leads the team in points with eight and is very experienced. There’s plenty of offensive balance on the Kraken with four players other than Gourde with five points. Climate Pledge Arena has been a very loud place to place as the Seattle area has been rocking. This has been the city’s first taste of playoff hockey in 104 years and they’ve enjoyed.
However, Dallas aren’t usually the best party guests and will ruin the fun.
Predictions: Stars win 5-3.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
