{"id":123329,"date":"2021-12-29T09:15:08","date_gmt":"2021-12-29T14:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=123329"},"modified":"2021-12-28T18:25:42","modified_gmt":"2021-12-28T23:25:42","slug":"nhl-predictions-december-29th-with-new-york-rangers-vs-florida-panthers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2021\/12\/29\/nhl-predictions-december-29th-with-new-york-rangers-vs-florida-panthers\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: December 29th with New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another day of\u00a0NHL Predictions<\/a>. 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\u2019s featured game is the New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers.<\/i><\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: December 29th Including New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers<\/h2>\n

After a long delay in games due to COVID-19, the NHL is finally back. While all of the games might not be going forward, the featured matchup of the New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers is set to.<\/p>\n

New Jersey Devils vs Buffalo Sabres<\/h3>\n

Head-to-Head: New Jersey 1-0 Buffalo<\/h4>\n

These two teams first met back on October 23rd when the Devils pulled off a 2-1 win in overtime. This was the debut game of young goaltender Nico Daws<\/a><\/strong>, who has been up and down between the AHL this season.<\/p>\n

Since this game, both of these teams have seen brief moments of hope. The keyword is brief. Both teams sit at 10-15-5 on the season, and neither are likely to make any sort of legitimate challenge at making the postseason either.<\/p>\n

While there are individual players to watch that can give excitement, this game doesn’t look to be too exciting for neutrals.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Buffalo wins 4-3<\/em><\/p>\n

Nashville Predators vs Washington Capitals<\/h3>\n

Head-to-Head: Nashville 0-0 Washington<\/h4>\n

In their first meeting of the season, Nashville travels to Washington to take on the Capitals. Both of these teams are having good seasons respectively, with Nashville sitting at 19-10-1 and Washington at 18-6-7.<\/p>\n

The success of Nashville this season is in large part due to the play of goaltender Juuse Saros<\/a><\/strong>. Saros is 15-8-1 on the season with a 2.22 GAA and a save percentage of .924 to boot. This is not at all to discredit the players in front of him. Roman Josi<\/a><\/strong> is, as usual, having himself a great season and both Ryan Johansen<\/a><\/strong> and Matt Duchene<\/a><\/strong> are seeing a revival season.<\/p>\n

For Washington, it is pretty plain to see who is stealing the show – Alex Ovechkin<\/a><\/strong>. Ovechkin continues to pump out goals and points for fun. Ovechkin 22 goals on the season and 47 points, good for second and third respectively in the NHL.<\/p>\n

While Saros has performed to a high level, it is going to be hard to deny the greatness of Ovechkin.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Washington wins 3-2<\/em><\/p>\n

New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n

Head-to-Head: New York 1-0 Florida<\/h4>\n

For the featured matchup of the day, we have the New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers. Much like their meeting on November 8th, where the Rangers won 4-3, this should be quite an exciting game to watch.<\/p>\n

This game sees one of the best offences in the NHL in Florida (3.55 GF\/GP, 3rd) take on one of the best defences in New York (2.53 GA\/GP). This should equate to a tight matchup, with this game almost certainly going to be decided by one goal.<\/p>\n

One of the factors that should bolster New York is that Igor Shesterkin<\/a><\/strong> is off the IR list and looks to make his return in this game. Shesterkin hasn’t played since December 3rd in a 19-save shutout against the San Jose Sharks. If New York stands a chance here, it will be with the Russian netminder between the pipes.<\/p>\n

On the other end of the ice, Florida looks set to start a Russian in net of their own in Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a><\/strong>. Bobrovsky has proven that the $10 million AAV he is earning is not a waste this season. He has a 12-3-2 record this season thanks to a 2.47 GAA and one of the best scoring teams in the league in front of him.<\/p>\n

This should be a fun matchup to watch solely for the goalie battle. On top of that, it is always a delight to watch talent like Jonathan Huberdeau<\/a><\/strong> (10-23-33, 29 games) and Adam Fox<\/a><\/strong> (5-26-31, 30 games).<\/p>\n

Prediction: Florida wins 4-3<\/em><\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>