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 Boston Bruins.. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
Series Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-3 Bruins
TV: ESPN, NESN, Sportsnet, CBC
We start our NHL predictions with our featured game of the night. The spring of discontent is almost upon up with the Maple Leafs on the brink of elimination. Joseph Woll will be tasked with trying to save the team’s season, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. The status of superstar Auston Matthews is uncertain due to an illness. Could this be the last ride of the Core Four? Will Leafs general manager Brad Treliving blow it up and start again with the team? Toronto needs a win to force Game 6 at home. This could also be the last game in charge for head coach Sheldon Keefe if things don’t go the Leafs way.
Jeremy Swayman has proven too good against the Leafs to continue the goalie rotation. Boston has gotten into the heads of Toronto thanks to Brad Marchand and some timely goal-scoring. Brandon Carlo and Hampus Lindholm have been excellent on defence this series in stopping Matthews. The Bruins have also made the Maple Leafs pay whenever the Buds make a costly mistake. Boston is going to all it can to book a date with the Florida Panthers.
Can Woll give Toronto a spark? He’s a capable goalie, but Boston puts the Leafs away.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.
New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-3 Hurricanes
TV: TBS, BSSO, MSGSN, Sportsnet 360
The New York Islanders stayed alive against the Carolina Hurricanes and want to send the series back to Long Island. Mathew Barzal‘s overtime winner gave the Isles some life into the Isles. However, it’s a tall order to go into Raleigh to get a win. Semyon Varlamov will once again likely get the start in the crease for the Islanders.
Frederik Andersen is the probable starter for the Hurricanes, which can set up a showdown with the New York Rangers in round two. Seth Jarvis leads the team with two goals and two assists for four points. The Hurricanes also have four points from Martin Necas in the series.
Carolina wants to get some rest before the matchup with the other New York team. The Canes finish the job.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets
Series Head-to-Head: Avalanche 3-1 Jets
TV: ESPN; Altitude; SN West, CBC
The next game of our NHL predictions has the Colorado Avalanche trying to finish off the Winnipeg Jets up north. Alexandar Georgiev has settled down after a shaky Game 1 and gets the start again. Colorado has put in 22 goals in four games this series. Cale Makar is among the league leaders in points this post-season with two goals and six assists.
Connor Hellebuyck may be nominated for Vezina Trophy, but his play has been lacking. Winnipeg has only put up five goals in the last three games after scoring seven in the series opener. Mark Scheifele leads the team in points with five after getting three goals and two assists.
The Jets are usually pretty good home and will extend the series.
Prediction: Jets win 3-2.
Nashville Predators vs Vancouver Canucks
Series Head-to-Head: Predators 1-3 Canucks
TV: TBS; BSSO; Sportsnet
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Nashville Predators trying to stave off elimination against the Vancouver Canucks. The Predators were inches away from tying the series, but Colton Sissons missed the empty net and opened the flood games. Juuse Saros is the likely starter for Nashville.
Casey DeSmith could be back in net for the potential clinching game. Brock Boeser‘s hat trick helped Vancouver rally and salvage both games in the Music City. J.T. Miller has four goals and five assists so far for the Canucks.
How does Nashville come out after a stunning loss? This team has shown heart when put up against the wall.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
