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 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
We want to wish our readers a very Happy Easter to those that celebrate.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-1 Maple Leafs
TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh; Sportnet 1 (Canada); ESPN+
The opening and featured game of NHL prediction has the Penguins looking to keep their Stanley Cup Playoff hopes alive. Pittsburgh is one point off the last wild card spot and two off the last automatic spot in the Metropolitan Division. Alex Nedeljkovic is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Penguins have a 9-9-8 record in one-goal games. The ageless Sidney Crosby has 40 goals and 45 assists for the Penguins this season. Bryan Rust has scored six goals and added five assists over the last 10 games. Pittsburgh is 6-2-2 in the last 10 and has four straight wins.
Ilya Samsonov is the expected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 6-4 in the last 10. Toronto has already clinched a post-season berth, but would need a ton of things to break its way to host a post-season series. The Maple Leafs have a +40 scoring differential, with 275 total goals scored and 235 allowed. Auston Matthews has 64 goals and 36 assists for the Maple Leafs. Team captain John Tavares has three goals and eight assists over the past 10 games.
Pittsburgh is fighting to stay in the race and does have a win over Toronto. However, the Leafs find a way.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 2-1 Canucks
TV: Scipps; Sportsnet 1; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights battling the Vancouver Canucks. Logan Thompson is the projected starter for the Golden Knights, who are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. Vegas is 14-7-2 against the Pacific Division this season. Jonathan Marchessault has scored 41 goals with 25 assists for the Golden Knights. Shea Theodore has one goal and seven assists over the last 10 games.
Casey DeSmith will likely get the call in goal for the Canucks, who are 5-5 in the last 10 games. Vancouver is hoping that Thatcher Demko can be ready sooner rather than later. The Canucks are only up three points on the Edmonton Oilers for first in the Pacific Division as we close in on the end of the season. Vancouver has a a 26-7-1 record when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent. Brock Boeser has 39 goals and 32 assists for the Canucks. Conor Garland has been one of the bright spots as of lat as he’s scored three goals with five assists over the past 10 games.
Both teams are in the market for points, but the Canucks hang on in a close one.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-3 in a shootout.
Prop Bet(s) of the Night
Since we only have two games, let’s have some extended prop bets for the evening. In the early game, we like William Nylander to get at least one point tonight. Take Nylander and the over on +0.5 or +1.0.
In the second game, we don’t want to eclipse the talents of Quinn Hughes. Take the young blueliner getting to over on +1.0 points as well in this one.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski – USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
