{"id":435081,"date":"2023-12-11T10:00:57","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T15:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=435081"},"modified":"2023-12-15T10:40:43","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T15:40:43","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-11-maple-leafs-vs-islanders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/11\/nhl-predictions-dec-11-maple-leafs-vs-islanders\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec. 11 w\/ Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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 the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/09\/maple-leafs-joseph-woll-injury\/\" target=\"_self\"> Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/01\/nhl-rumours-vancouver-canucks-and-new-york-islanders\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Islanders<\/a>. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Arizona Coyotes vs Buffalo Sabres<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Sabres<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Scripps; MSG Buffalo; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our first game of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/11\/28\/nhl-predictions-tampa-bay-lightning-three-keys-to-victory-vs-arizona-coyotes\/\" target=\"_self\"> Arizona Coyotes<\/a> traveling to Western New York to battle the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/07\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-and-buffalo-sabres\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>. <span class=\"text-center text-lg xl:text-2xl\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vejmeka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karel Vejmelka<\/a><\/span> is the projected starter, 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 starter. Arizona is on a two-game losing streak going into this game. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carcomi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Carcone<\/a><\/span> is the team&#8217;s leading goal-scorer with 13 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kellecl01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clayton Keller<\/a> has 16 assists.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/levide01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devon Levi<\/a> is the likely starter for Buffalo, who has lost four of its last five games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeff Skinner<\/a> leads the way in goals with 12 while Casey <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\">Mittelstadt<\/span> is the leader in assists with 16. This should have been the year that the Sabres made the next step. However, Buffalo is languishing near the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings.<\/p>\n<p>Arizona has recently beaten the last few Stanley Cup champions.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Coyotes win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Islanders<\/h4>\n<p>TV: MSGSN; Sportsnet; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our featured game has the Leafs looking to win their third straight games. <span class=\"text-center text-lg xl:text-2xl\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/samsoil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Samsonov<\/a><\/span> is the likely starter with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wolljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joseph Woll<\/a> on the sidelines. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> has 18 goals to lead the team while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> has 19 assists. Toronto&#8217;s power play in ninth, but are only 19th in goals scored.<\/p>\n<p>The Islanders have also won four of their last five games and have overcome a slow start. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sorokil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Sorokin<\/a> will likely get the start for the Islanders, who are sixth on the power play. However, the Islanders are 29th in killing off penalties. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nelsobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Nelson<\/a> has 11 goals and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dobsono01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Noah Dobson<\/a> has 19 assists to lead the way in both categories.<\/p>\n<p>New York will have to keep out of the penalty box if it wants to win, but Toronto&#8217;s offence has played well in recent games.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Detroit Red Wings vs Dallas Stars<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-0 Stars<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Bally Sports Detroit; Bally Sports Southwest; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/10\/detroit-red-wings-lose-dylan-larkin-following-scary-incident\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a> will be without some key players when they take on the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/11\/18\/nhl-rumours-dallas-stars-and-new-york-islanders\/\" target=\"_self\"> Dallas Stars<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/larkidy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Larkin<\/a> is likely to be out after an injury on Saturday night. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/perroda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Perron<\/a> is likely to face a suspension for what happened against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/09\/nhl-predictions-detroit-red-wings-and-ottawa-senators\/\" target=\"_self\">Ottawa Senators<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hussovi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ville Husso<\/a> is projected starter for the Red Wings, who have lost the last two games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/debrial01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex DeBrincat<\/a> leads the team in goals with 13.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> is the projected starter for the Stars, who have been up and down over the last five games. Dallas has solid special teams being third on the PK and eighth on the power play. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/paveljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joe Pavelski<\/a> leads in goals with 11 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roberja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Robertson<\/a> has 16 assists for the Stars.<\/p>\n<p>The injury problems will be too much for the Red Wings as the Stars pick up the win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Calgary Flames vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Flames 0-1 Avalanche<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Altitude; Sportsnet West; Sportsnet One; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/05\/nhl-rumours-calgary-flames-and-san-jose-sharks\/\" target=\"_self\"> Calgary Flames<\/a> taking on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/11\/factors-contributing-to-current-colorado-avalanche-slump\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>. Calgary has lost three of its last four games and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vladada01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Vladar<\/a> is the projected starter. The Flames are 22nd in goals for and goals allowed. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/colembl01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blake Coleman<\/a> leads in goals with seven while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kadrina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nazem Kadri<\/a> has 12 assists.<\/p>\n<p>Colorado has been very inconsistent at times despite its talent. <span class=\"text-center text-lg xl:text-2xl\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexandar Georgiev<\/a><\/span> is the expected starter for the Avalanche, who have four losses in their last five. This team has plenty of talent, but has struggled to put it all together. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rantami01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a> is first in goals with 12 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/makarca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-11_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cale Makar<\/a> leads in assists with 12.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Both teams are coming in on a low note, but Colorado finds a way to win at home.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":435084,"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":[4524,4547,17,4548,18],"tags":[6018,6254,6015,6085,6124,6201,6084,6062],"class_list":["post-435081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-islanders","category-nhl","category-leafs","tag-arizona-coyotes-predictions","tag-buffalo-sabres-predictions","tag-calgary-flames-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-detroit-red-wings-predictions","tag-new-york-islanders-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435081","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=435081"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435081\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/435084"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}