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 the Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 0-0 Panthers
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Bally Sports Florida
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on the Florida Panthers. Elvis Merzlikins is the unconfirmed starter, but always check social media. The Jackets have lost four of their last five and sit near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.
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Sergei Bobrovsky is the likely starter for Florida, which has lost three of its last five. However, the Panthers lost to the Chicago Blackhawks last time out. Sam Reinhart has eight goals to lead the way for the Panthers.
Both teams are in need of a win, but Florida gets the home win.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-1 Maple Leafs
TV: Bally Sports Sunshine; NHL Network; Sportsnet
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Lightning taking of the Maple Leafs. Jonas Johansson will likely get the start in the crease for the Lightning. Tampa Bay stopped a two-game losing streak with a strong performance against the Ottawa Senators. Brayden Point netted a hat trick after being challenged by head coach Jon Cooper. The Lightning are lethal on the special teams units.
Ilya Samsonov is the likely starter for Toronto, which has lost four straight games. The Leafs finally got some offence, but it wasn’t enough in the loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Auston Matthew leads the team with 11 goals in this early portion of the season.
Prediction: Lightning 5-4 in over time.
Boston Bruins vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-0 Stars
TV: Ball Sports Southwest; NESN
It’s another key game in our NHL predictions has the Boston Bruins taking on the Dallas Stars. Boston is coming off a 5-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Jeremy Swayman is the projected start in net for the B’s. David Pastrnak is tops in goals and assists for the Bruins.
Jake Oettinger is the projected candidate for the Stars. Dallas is coming off a shutout loos to the Vancouver Canukcs. Roope Hintz leads the way in goals for the team with five.
Both clubs are looking to bounce back, but Boston gets the victory.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Oilers 0-2 Canucks
TV: Sportsnet; Sportsnet West
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers try to rebound against the Vancouver Canucks. Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl lead the ways in goals and assists, respectively. Stuart Skinner is the projected starter for the Oilers.
Thatcher Demko is the likely starter for the Canucks, which have four wins in the last five. Brock Boeser has eight goals in this season so far. The Canucks have been one of the pleasant surprises earlier in the season.
Vancouver has been playing well, but does face a desperate Edmonton team.
Prediction: Canucks win 5-3.
Main photo by: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
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