{"id":438322,"date":"2024-03-04T11:00:22","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=438322"},"modified":"2024-03-04T11:20:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:20:55","slug":"nhl-predictions-march-4-with-boston-bruins-vs-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/04\/nhl-predictions-march-4-with-boston-bruins-vs-toronto-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: March 4 with Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"browsi_adWrapper_ai_0_ati_1_rc_0\">\n<div id=\"browsi_adContainer_ai_0_ati_1_rc_0\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/15184186,22512265771\/lwos_incontent_1_1__container__\">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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Vegas Golden Knights vs Columbus Blue Jackets<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-0 Blue Jackets<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Scripps; Bally Sports Ohio; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our opening game of NHL predictions has the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/03\/nhl-rumours-vegas-golden-knights-and-tampa-bay-lightning\/\" target=\"_self\"> Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> coming to Ohio to face the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/29\/tampa-bay-lightning-trade-deadline-blue-jackets-skilled-defender\/\" target=\"_self\">Columbus Blue Jackets.<\/a> Vegas has lost three of the four games on this road trip and looking to salvage something from it. The Golden Knights will likely go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> in goal, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">always check social media\u00a0 <\/a>before locking down a daily fantasy starter. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/audymjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Marchessault<\/a><\/span> leads the team in goals with 32, but the lineup does feel the loss of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stonema01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Stone<\/a> not being in the lineup.<\/p>\n<p>Columbus is projected to go with <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3Yoya\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=tarasda02,tarasda01&amp;search=Daniil+Tarasov&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniil Tarasov<\/a><\/span> in the crease. The Blue Jackets suffered <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/03\/blue-jackets-forward-kent-johnson-done-for-the-season\/\" target=\"_self\">another key injury<\/a> as youngster <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnske01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kent Johnson<\/a> will be out for the rest of the season. Goalie <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/merzlel01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Elvis Merzlikins<\/a><\/span> might be out with an upper-body injury and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/fantiad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adam Fantilli<\/a> is still recovering from a leg laceration. Columbus is 4-6 in the last 10 and just playing out the string a season of upheaval. Team captain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jennebo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boone Jenner<\/a> is first in goals with 19.<\/p>\n<p>Vegas has been struggling at times without Stone, but should be a depleted Columbus squad.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-1.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Rangers<\/h4>\n<p>TV: Bally Sports Florida; MSG; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>This game between the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/20\/nhl-rumours-boston-bruins-florida-panthers-philadelphia-flyers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Florida Panthers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/01\/nhl-rumours-new-york-rangers-and-edmonton-oilers\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> had a case to be our featured matchup. However, we went with the old rivalry of the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/02\/24\/nhl-rumours-boston-bruins-and-ottawa-senators\/\" target=\"_self\"> Boston Bruins<\/a> against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/03\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-and-nashville-predators\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. Both teams are first in their respective divisions in the Eastern Conference. Florida has won four in a row and is 9-1 in the last 10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is the expected starter for the Panthers. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> is having a career year with 42 goals while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tkachma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> is first in assists with 47.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shestig01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Igor Shesterkin<\/a> is the confirmed starter for the Rangers, who are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games. The Blueshirts are coming off a shootout loss to the Maple Leafs last time out. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/panarar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artemi Panarin<\/a><\/span> leads the way in goals (35) and assists (49) for New York. Both teams are excellent on the special teams as each the Rangers and Panthers are top 10 in penalty kill and the power play.<\/p>\n<p>This could be a Stanley Cup Playoff matchup, but Florida seems better equipped for this game.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Bruins 2-0 Maple Leafs<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> NESN; Sportsnet; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our final and featured game has the Bruins heading north to battle the Maple Leafs. Boston is 3-2-5 in the last 10 and is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> in this one. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a><\/span> is the team&#8217;s leader in goals (38) and assist (49) so far this campaign. The Bruins are tied with the New York Islanders for the most overtime\/shootout losses with 14 this season. Boston is in the top 10 in goals for, goals allowed, power play efficiency and penalty kill.<\/p>\n<p>Toronto has confirmed it will go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/samsoil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Samsonov<\/a> in net for this rivalry game. The Leafs have won two straight and are 9-1 in the last 10 outings. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> leads the league in goals with 53 goals. However, both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marnemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mitch Marner<\/a> are duking it out for the Leafs top assist-man. Defence could be a problem with both <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lyubuil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Lyubushkin<\/a><\/span> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/giordma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Giordano<\/a> likely out.<\/p>\n<p>Toronto has been playing well, but Boston seems to have Toronto&#8217;s number.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bet of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>Let&#8217;s go back to our second game for our prop of the night. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rempema01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-03-04_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Rempe<\/a> has done lots of fighting for the Rangers, but we thinks he keeps the gloves on tonight. We&#8217;ll take under +4.0 penalty minutes tonight.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Brian Fluharty-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":434792,"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":[5,4547,4548,4524,18],"tags":[6081,6083,6255,6122,6062,6019],"class_list":["post-438322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bruins","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","category-leafs","tag-boston-bruins-predictions","tag-columbus-blue-jackets-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-new-york-rangers-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/438322","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=438322"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/438322\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/434792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=438322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=438322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=438322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}