{"id":435617,"date":"2023-12-27T10:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T15:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=435617"},"modified":"2023-12-27T10:20:44","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T15:20:44","slug":"nhl-predictions-dec-27-senators-vs-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/27\/nhl-predictions-dec-27-senators-vs-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Dec 27 w\/ Ottawa Senators 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>Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Senators 1-1 Maple Leafs<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re back from the Christmas break with a juicy matchup between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/22\/captain-brady-tkachuk-and-owner-michael-andlauer-are-the-ottawa-senators-leaders-right-now\/\" target=\"_self\">Ottawa Senators<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/13\/nhl-rumours-maple-leafs-devils\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs.<\/a> The Battle of Ontario is always a tough one to call no matter the records. <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/korpijo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joonas Korpisalo<\/a><\/span> is the expected starter, but<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> always check social media<\/a> before locking in a fantasy starter. Ottawa stopped a losing streak in the last game before Christmas with a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Special teams have been a major issue this season for the Sens.<\/p>\n<p>The Leafs are slated to counter with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/samsoil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Samsonov<\/a> in the blue paint. Toronto got a measure of revenge on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/15\/patrik-laine-out-for-the-columbus-blue-jackets\/\" target=\"_self\">Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> in the last game before the holidays. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> is just two goals away from getting to the 30-goal mark. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> has 29 assists already this season.<\/p>\n<p>These games are tough to call even if one team is flying high. However, the Leafs scratch out a close win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-0 Rangers<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> MSG 2; Monument Sports; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/23\/nhl-rumours-maple-leafs-capitals-2\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals<\/a> battling the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/23\/rangers-fall-to-the-edmonton-oilers-in-a-battle-of-the-goaltenders\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a>. The Caps had their three-game losing streak ended a 2-1 shootout loss against the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/27\/nhl-predictions-tampa-bay-lightning-three-keys-to-victory-vs-florida-panthers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lindgch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlie Lindgren<\/a> got a shutout in Washington&#8217;s 4-0 win over the Rangers in the only meeting of the season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stromdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Strome<\/a> leads the club in goals with 13 so far. The Capitals have been struggling to score, but have done a good job keeping pucks out of the net. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuempda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darcy Kuemper<\/a> is the expected starter at this time.<\/p>\n<p>The Rangers have won four of the last five games heading into the Christmas break. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shestig01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a> is the likely starter for the Blueshirts. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/panarar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artemi Panarin<\/a> is already over the 40-point threshold with 18 goals and 26 assists. However, players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zibanmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mika Zibanejad<\/a> are also starting to pick up the slack for the dynamic Rangers.<\/p>\n<p>Washington does have an important win over New York, but the Rangers get it done at MSG.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Rangers win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-1 Ducks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Scripps; Bally Sports San Diego; Bally Sports Southern California<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/15\/nhl-rumours-jets-golden-knights\/\" target=\"_self\"> Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> taking on the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/21\/nhl-rumours-canucks-ducks\/\" target=\"_self\"> Anaheim Ducks<\/a>. Vegas is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomplo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan Thompson<\/a> in between the pipes. The Knights have three straight losses going into this game. Vegas also has a tough game against the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2023\/12\/19\/nhl-rumours-edmonton-oilers-and-los-angeles-kings\/\" target=\"_self\"> Los Angeles Kings<\/a> awaiting them tomorrow night. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/audymjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Marchessault<\/a><\/span> leads the team in goals with 17 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stonema01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Stone<\/a> has 24 assists.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dostalu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lukas Dostal<\/a> is the projected starter for the Ducks, who have lost two straight games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vatrafr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Frank Vatrano<\/a> has had a solid season with 15 goals, but other players need to get moving for the Ducks. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zegratr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2023-12-27_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevor Zegras<\/a> has returned to the lineup and is back to his Michigan goal-scoring ways. Anaheim did win the last meeting, 4-2.<\/p>\n<p>Vegas needs a bounce-back win and they&#8217;ll get it here.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bet of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game of the night and we like the Leafs converting at least one power play goal. Toronto has plenty of playmakers and Ottawa has struggled when down a man.<\/p>\n<p>Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers &#8211; USA TODAY Sports<\/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":435618,"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":[4524,4547,4548,8,18],"tags":[6013,6122,6109,6062,6019,6239],"class_list":["post-435617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-senators","category-leafs","tag-anaheim-ducks-predictions","tag-new-york-rangers-predictions","tag-ottawa-senators-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435617","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=435617"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435617\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/435618"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}