Welcome back to the return 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 matchups 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 as the 2024-25 season starts.
NHL Predictions
Utah Hockey Club vs New York Rangers
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Utah 16; MSG; ESPN+
Our first game of NHL predictions has Utah Hockey Club continuing its Eastern road swing. Utah has won its first two games of the season, including a come-from-behind win over the New York Islanders. Connor Ingram is the expected starter for Utah, but always check social media before locking in a starter. Dylan Guenther already has four goals this season to lead Utah HC.
The New York Rangers came out firing with a 6-0 shutout of the Penguins in the opener. Projected starter Igor Shesterkin got the shutout over the Pens. Chris Kreider scored twice and Alexis Lafreniere added a goal and an assist in the winning-effort. The Blueshirts have a world of expectations, but face a well-oiled Utah team.
This game will be a test of Utah’s mettle, but the Rangers should get the win.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet (CA); CBC; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; NHL Network
Our second game and featured game of NHL predictions has the Penguins taking on the Maple Leafs. It’s a prime time matchup on Hockey Night Canada in the Leafs’ home opener. Tristan Jarry is the projected starter and will look to rebound after a shaky first game. Pittsburgh did bounce back with a road win against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Anthony Beauvillier scored twice in the win over Detroit.
Toronto is slated to go with Anthony Stolarz in goal. He played well in game one. However, he didn’t get any offensive help as Cole Caufield‘s lone goal of the game was the winner for the Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs did bounce back in beating former coach Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils. Steven Lorentz posted a goal and an assist in the victory.
Pittsburgh got right after its loss, but faces a Toronto team wanting to get its home part of the schedule off on the right note.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers
Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; Chicago Sports Network
Our final game of NHL predictions has the battle of Connor vs Connor. It’s Connor Bedard vs Connor McDavid in this big-time matchup. The Chicago Blackhawks will be coming off a back-to-back and likely rolls with Petr Mrazek in between the pipes. Bedard notched a pair of assists in the season-opening loss to Utah.
The Edmonton Oilers will try and shake off a ghastly performance against the Winnipeg Jets. Edmonton was routed, 6-0, by Winnipeg and needs a better performance in this one. Stuart Skinner will be tasked with having a better game in goal.
Both teams got off to a bad start to their season. However, Edmonton has plenty of firepower.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night for this Edition of NHL Predictions
Here are a couple of prop bets to make things interesting on Saturday. Let’s circle back to the opening game and go with Lafreniere as +750 first goal scorer at Bet365. There’s also a +160 anytime scorer if you feel less adventurous.
On the Utah side, Clayton Keller is worth a shout at Bet365 at a +200 any time scorer.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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