With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Senators 1-0 Canadiens
TV: TSN2; TSN5; ESPN+
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Ottawa Senators are looking for their second straight win over the Montreal Canadiens. Ottawa won 6-2 in the first meeting of the season on January 18. The Senators have won three of the last five, but have alternated wins and losses in that stretch. Brady Tkachuk tops the team in goals with 19 while Tim Stutzle is first in assists with 33. Joonas Korpisalo is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a starter.
Jake Allen is the confirmed starter for the Canadiens, who have lost three of the last five. Montreal gave up a shocking nine goals in the last game against the Boston Bruins. Cole Caufield is on a five-game goal-scoring streak and leads the club in goals with 16. Nick Suzuki is the assist leader for the Canadiens with 26. Both teams struggle to stop others from scoring.
Montreal’s defence has struggled at times and Ottawa has been playing better as of late.
Prediction: Senators win 5-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Islanders
TV: Scripps; MSGSN; ESPN+
Our featured game has the Vegas Golden Knights trying to get back on track after a loss to the New Jersey Devils. Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy criticized his team’s effort in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Devils. Adin Hill is the expected starter and that would be a big boost to the Golden Knights as he’s been out with injury. Jonathan Marchessault scored twice the night before and leads the team in goals with 22.
The New York Islanders have a new bench boss in Patrick Roy, who is well known for being intense behind the bench. Ilya Sorokin is the confirmed starter for the Isles, who won Roy’s coaching debut with the club. New York is in the mix for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot and maybe Roy’s hiring will shock the team back into reality. Brock Nelson leads the squad in goals with 20.
Both teams are going to come out swinging in this one after last night. Vegas scratches out the win.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2 in overtime.
New York Rangers vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Rangers 1-0 Sharks
TV: MSG; NBC Sports California; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the New York Rangers taking on the San Jose Sharks. Igor Shesterkin is the expected starter for the Blueshirts, who are looking to end their West Coast road trip with a victory. Artemi Panarin leads the way in goals (28) and assists (34) for the Blueshirts. New York is 10th in goals for and goals allowed. The Rangers power play is second and they’re facing a Sharks’ penalty kill that is dead-last in the NHL.
Mackenzie Blackwood is the expected starter for the Sharks, who notched a shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings. San Jose is led by Fabian Zetterlund and his 14 goals. The Sharks are last in goals allowed and goals scored and have a nearly a -100 goal differential this campaign.
San Jose played the Rangers tough at MSG, but the Blueshirts get the victory.
Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.
Prop Bet of the Night
We’ll stay with the last game of the night for our prop bet of the evening. We feel the Rangers’ power play will get an extra-man goal in this on. Take the Rangers and the over on +0.5 power play goals in this one.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
