Here are today’s NHL Game Day Predictions. Daily, Last Word on Hockey brings you a prediction and analysis of every game on the schedule. This will also feature a significant game on the schedule that is must-watch hockey. Today’s featured game is the Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions
Anaheim Ducks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head to Head: Ducks 0-0 Maple Leafs
The Anaheim Ducks are near the bottom of the standings and are headed nowhere fast. They will surely have a high lottery pick in the upcoming draft and are going to find themselves as sellers at the trade deadline. Ondrej Kase has been tied to many trade rumours over the last few weeks and could find himself playing for a new organization in the near future. Moving Kase could be one of the most positive things to come out of this season because nothing positive is going to come from play on the ice tonight.
It has been a somewhat mixed bag of results for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. They have won big and been in playoff position. Now they lack those winning ways as they have been losing a lot recently. Ducks fans should be happy that Frederik Andersen is unlikely to play due to a neck injury. That means Toronto’s goaltending woes will continue and it will not be a pretty sight in net against Anaheim. Offence can’t do it all, but it should be enough to beat Anaheim.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-3
Buffalo Sabres vs New York Rangers
Head to Head: Sabres 0-1 Rangers
This is the Buffalo Sabres second game in as many nights. This particular battle should be a big one as two of the three New York-based teams go head to head. This is a big game for Sabres forward Jimmy Vesey as he has spent three of his four years in the NHL with the New York Rangers. The former Hobey Baker award winner should be looking to make a big mark in this game to prove New York was wrong to trade him.
Some Rangers have exceeded all expectations this season. The one that comes to mind the most is Artemi Panarin. Coming into the season, everyone wanted to see how the coveted free agent would perform. We now know that not only was it a great signing for the Rangers, but the $11 million per season does not look so bad anymore. Anyone who can produce the way he has this season is worth every penny.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2
Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head to Head: Red Wings 0-2 Blue Jackets
The Detroit Red Wings have looked abysmal all season and it is highly unlikely they end the season with a draft pick lower than third. The most promising thing Detroit has is the continued high-level play from Dylan Larkin. He remains the brightest spot on this dismal roster and until they can get more help for him, they will continue to lose games. The front office needs to do better if they want to field a team that can at least be competitive.
Most people had probably written off the Columbus Blue Jackets before the season started with all of their big losses in free agency. Stellar goaltending down the stretch from Elvis Merzlikins has kept this team afloat and in the playoff hunt. This is a resilient team with an underdog mentality. While their offence may be underwhelming, the defence is more than good enough to win games. They could be especially dangerous down the stretch.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 3-1
Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars
Head to Head: Wild 2-1 Stars
The Minnesota Wild had a rough start to the season and while they are not really in playoff contention, they have improved. Mats Zuccarello has been ok but not really the major offensive boost they need. Devan Dubnyk has been extremely underwhelming and that has forced them to rely on Alex Stalock. The Wild are another team that should start looking forward to next season as this one is likely over for them.
The playoff race is tightening up and the Dallas Stars are in good shape. Currently holding one of the top slots in the Western Conference, Dallas could be a difficult team to face in the playoffs. A hot Ben Bishop could shut down everyone he has to face. The offensive firepower from Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn will be tough to contend with as well. The Stars should shine bright tonight and come away with a win.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1
That does it for today’s NHL Predictions. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another slate of games.
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