{"id":434994,"date":"2023-12-09T10:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-12-09T15:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=434994"},"modified":"2023-12-09T10:26:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T15:26:13","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-9-predators-vs-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/09\/nhl-predictions-dec-9-predators-vs-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec. 9 w\/ Nashville Predators vs Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>With the large amount of games on tonight\u2019s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Nashville Predators vs Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Maple Leafs<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> NHL Network; Bally Sports South; CBC<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s get our featured game of NHL predictions out of the way as the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/02\/nhl-rumours-nashville-predators-and-edmonton-oilers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Nashville Predators<\/a> battle the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/07\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-and-edmonton-oilers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sarosju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juuse Saros<\/a> is the projected starter for the Predators, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailyfaceoff.com\/starting-goalies\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">always check social media<\/a> before locking in a fantasy goalie. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/forsbfi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Forsberg<\/a> leads the club in goals (14) and assists (16) to be team&#8217;s best offensive player. Nashville is 10th in goals scored, but 26th on the penalty kill.<\/p>\n<p>[cta id=4013 type=cta]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/samsoil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Samsonov<\/a> is the likely starter due to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wolljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joseph Woll<\/a> having an illness. Toronto did beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/07\/ottawa-senators-have-update-injury-thomas-chabot\/\" target=\"_self\">Ottawa Senators<\/a> last time out and have won three of the last five. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> is tops in goals with 16 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> leads the way in assists with 17. The Leafs are actually 20th in goals scored, but this team can light up the scoreboard quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Nashville did win the first meeting in the Music City. However, Toronto evens up the season series.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Rangers 0-0 Capitals<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> MSG; Monument Sports; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/05\/rangers-outplayed-ottawa-senators-mika-zibanejad-reunion-game\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> look to bounce back to take on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/11\/07\/dylan-strome-offence\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals<\/a> in a Metropolitan Division matchup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/laviope01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Peter Laviolette<\/a> faces one of his old clubs, but the Rangers have been playing well for the most part. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/panarar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artemi Panarin<\/a> leads the team in goals (16) and assists (21) to be the Rangers&#8217; top point man. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kreidch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Kreider<\/a> is day-to-day with an illness, so keep an eye on him. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shestig01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a> has been struggling as of late, but should draw the start.<\/p>\n<p>Washington likely counters with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuempda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darcy Kuemper<\/a> in between the pipes. The Capitals have played better after a rough start, but have lost three straight games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stromdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Strome<\/a> is tops in goals with 10 and a familiar name has been struggling. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a> has been without a goal in his last seven game and has gone through some stretches with a tally. However, he can still be dangerous.<\/p>\n<p>The Blueshirts have been solid at bouncing back after a bad performance.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Rangers win 5-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Kings vs New York Islanders<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Kings 0-0 Islanders<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> MSGSN; Bally Sports West; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/09\/20\/2023-24-puck-drop-preview-los-angeles-kings\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a> looking to extend that season-opening road streak. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/talboca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Talbot<\/a> is the expected starter, but the Kings are playing back-to-back games this weekend. A showdown with the Rangers looms tomorrow night. Los Angeles is first in goals allowed and fifth in goals for. This club has been great in most phases of the game. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mooretr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevor Moore<\/a> has 13 goals to lead the club.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sorokil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Sorokin<\/a> is the projected starter for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/01\/nhl-rumours-vancouver-canucks-and-new-york-islanders\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Islanders<\/a>, who have wins in two of the last three games. The Isles have quietly worked their way up the standings to third in the Metropolitan Division. Head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lambela01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lane Lambert<\/a> has taken the heat off himself a little bit with the recent run. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nelsobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Nelson<\/a> is first in goals with 11 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dobsono01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Noah Dobson<\/a> has 18 assists.<\/p>\n<p>The Kings are looking to make it a dozen on the road and they will do so thanks to their better offensive play.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Kings win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bet of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We&#8217;ll go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/07\/nhl-predictions-tampa-bay-lightning-three-keys-to-victory-vs-nashville-predators\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> game versus the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/07\/nhl-predictions-new-jersey-devils-try-to-hand-seattle-kraken-sixth-straight-loss\/\" target=\"_self\">Seattle Kraken<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kucheni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-09_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikita Kucherov<\/a> has been great and we&#8217;ll take him getting the over on +1.0 points tonight.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the large amount of games on tonight\u2019s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":434996,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,4547,31,4548,18],"tags":[6028,6011,6084,6122,6062,6239],"class_list":["post-434994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-predators","category-nhl","category-leafs","tag-los-angeles-kings-predictions","tag-nashville-predators-predictions","tag-new-york-islanders-predictions","tag-new-york-rangers-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/434994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=434994"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/434994\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/434996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=434994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=434994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=434994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}