{"id":134353,"date":"2022-12-31T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2022-12-31T13:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=134353"},"modified":"2022-12-29T16:45:19","modified_gmt":"2022-12-29T21:45:19","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-31-sabres-bruins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/12\/31\/nhl-predictions-dec-31-sabres-bruins\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: December 31 Including Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s featured game is between the Buffalo Sabres<\/a> and the Boston Bruins.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins<\/h2>\n

Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets<\/span><\/h3>\n

Head to Head: Blackhawks 1-0 Blue Jackets<\/span><\/h4>\n

The first of our NHL Predictions is between two bottom feeders. Welcome to the Connor Bedard bowl. The Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> take on the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> in the lottery sweepstakes. Chicago took the first meeting in a lopsided 5-2 decision. <\/span><\/p>\n

Things are as bad as they are in Columbus, but nothing is worse than the injury bug that’s plagued the roster. A hopeful season has turned into a nightmare. Newcomer Johnny Gaudreau<\/a> has been great for the club, and Boone Jenner<\/a> leads the team in goals. The two guys to watch for Chicago are their two biggest trade chips; Jonathan Toews<\/a> and Patrick Kane<\/a>. Toews is tied for the team lead in goals and Kane leads in points. It isn’t the most enticing matchup, but Chicago can continuously showcase its shiny veterans. <\/span><\/p>\n

Prediction: Blackhawks defeat Blue Jackets 3-1<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights<\/span><\/h3>\n

Head to Head: Predators 0-0 Golden Knights<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Nashville Predators<\/a> head to Sin City to take on the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season. Vegas is coming off a shootout loss and is on a two-game losing skid. Nashville has also dropped the last two losing to two division rivals in those games. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vegas is still a high calibre team, but they are down badly with injuries right now. Most notably, Jack Eichel<\/a> is out of the lineup. Nashville should want to capitalize on all the injuries, but it will be tough against a great defensive group in Vegas. They only have three players beyond the 10-goal mark. <\/span><\/p>\n

Prediction: Golden Knights defeat Predators 4-2<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers vs Los Angeles Kings<\/span><\/h3>\n

Head to Head: Flyers 0-0 Kings<\/span><\/h4>\n

This is the first matchup between the two clubs. Both are on opposite spectrums as the Los Angeles Kings<\/a> sit pretty in the top three in the Pacific Division, whereas the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> are fading fast.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Flyers will need to be at their best tonight. Los Angeles has a plethora of talent capable of scoring goals. Kevin Fiala<\/a>, Anze Kopitar<\/a>, and Gabriel Villardi highlight the forward group. For a team that struggles to score, the only way they can secure a victory is due to the play of Carter Hart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Kings defeat Flyers 3-1<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>