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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Red Wings
TV: NHL Network; Bally Sports Detroit; TSN4
Our featured game of NHL predictions is another matchup in the NHL Global Series. Ilya Samsonov is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy goalie. Also note the early start time when setting your daily lineups. This game will go off at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Auston Matthews and William Nylander are both off to red-hot starts for the Maple Leafs.
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Detroit will roll with Alex Lyon in net for the Red Wings, who rallied for an overtime-point against the Ottawa Senators. Alex DeBrincat has 11 goals in his first season with the Red Wings. Dylan Larkin has 12 helpers to lead the team in that category.
It’s going to be tough for Detroit to bounce back after a tough game against a good Toronto team. If you feel like a prop bet tonight, a point or goal play on William Nylander could be worth a look if you’re feeling adventurous.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
Buffalo Sabres vs Winnipeg Jets
Head-to-Head: Sabres 0-0 Jets
TV: NHL Network; MSG-Buffalo; TSN3
Eric Comrie is the likely starter for the Buffalo Sabres in this matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. Buffalo has lost two straight games and three of its last five games. The Sabres are going to be without Tage Thompson for a while and that will hurt their offence. Buffalo had plenty of promise going into the season, but injuries and inconsistent play have hurt them.
Connor Hellebuyck is the projected starter in between the pipes for the Jets, who have wins in four of the last five games. Kyle Connor has 13 goals this campaign for the Jets, while Josh Morrissey has a baker’s dozen of assists. Winnipeg has steadied themselves after a slow start to the season.
The injuries have come at a bad time for the Sabres and that will show for them against the a streaking Jets side.
Prediction: Jets win 4-1.
Florida Panthers vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-0 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports Sunshine; Bally Sports West
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers taking on the Anaheim Ducks. Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter in between the pipes for the Cats. Florida had their recent winning-streak stopped in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings last time out. The Panthers have been playing well despite not having Brandon Montour and Aaron Ekblad. Sam Reinhart has 13 goals while Matthew Tkachuk has 14 assists for the Panthers this campaign.
Anaheim has been one of the surprise teams of the season already. John Gibson is the projected starter for the Ducks, who are smarting after an 8-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche the last time out. Frank Vatrano is the surprise leader in goals with 11 tallies while Ryan Strome has 12 assists for the club.
Florida has played very well despite the loss of key players. Anaheim has come back to down to earth a little bit. The Panthers should pick up the win in this one.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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