{"id":440152,"date":"2024-04-22T11:00:06","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T15:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=440152"},"modified":"2024-04-22T12:57:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T16:57:19","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-22-w-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-boston-bruins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/22\/nhl-predictions-april-22-w-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-boston-bruins\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 22 w\/ Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins"},"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\/2024\/04\/17\/whats-happening-as-the-leafs-wrap-up-2023-24-regular-season\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/03\/14\/nhl-rumours-boston-bruins-and-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Bruins.<\/a> Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-1 Bruins<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS, NESN<\/p>\n<p>Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs trying to pick up the pieces after a 5-1 loss on Saturday night. <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/samsoil01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Samsonov<\/a><\/span> is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcmanbo02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby McMann<\/a> were both out for Game 1, but Nylander was taking part in the morning skate. Toronto&#8217;s 298 goals in the regular season were four off the NHL lead. However, they looked lost in Game 1.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/u\/ullmali01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Linus Ullmark<\/a> is the projected starter in Game 2, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> looked great in Game 1. Swayman improved to 4-0 with a .962 save percentage against the 2023-24 Leafs. Boston got goals from unexpected sources to start the game before pulling away. It&#8217;s never a good sign when players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/beechjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Beecher<\/a> are outscoring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If Nylander plays, that gives Toronto some hope. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/keefesh01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sheldon Keefe<\/a> has to make some major adjustments to the lineup.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins with 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Islanders 0-1 Hurricanes<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV: <\/strong>ESPN2, SN 360, TVAS, BSSO, MSGSN<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/10\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-and-new-york-islanders-2\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Islanders<\/a> go back to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/varlasi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Semyon Varlamov<\/a> in Game 2 to stem the tide. Carolina took the series-opener, 3-1, thanks to solid defence and goaltending. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/macleky01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle MacLean<\/a> got the only goal for the Islanders, who need to get some more offensive production.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/anderfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Frederik Andersen<\/a> is the likely starter in between the pipes for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/20\/carolina-hurricanes-vs-new-york-islanders-first-round-series-preview-2\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Hurricanes.<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skjeibr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brady Skjei<\/a> dished out a pair of assists for the Hurricanes while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuzneev01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evgeny Kuznetsov<\/a> notched a goal and an assist. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/noesest01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stefan Noesen<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/necasma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Necas<\/a> also provided markers.<\/p>\n<p>The Isles will come out firing like all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roypa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Roy<\/a> teams do after a loss. However, the Canes are a great team.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars<\/h3>\n<h4>Season Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 3-0 Stars<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> ESPN, SN 360, TVAS, BSSW, Scripps<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s Game 1 of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/11\/golden-knights-defenceman-noah-hanifin-re-signs-eight-year-deal\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> versus <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/22\/vegas-golden-knights-vs-dallas-stars-first-round-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a> series. Vegas swept the season-series, but this is a whole new Dallas team. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> is likely to get the call for the defending champions. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stonema01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Stone<\/a> is likely ready for Game 1 much to the annoyance of other teams around the league. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/audymjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Marchessault<\/a><\/span> led the team in goals with 42 on the season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> likely gets the call in this game for the Stars, who were one point from tying the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/21\/new-york-rangers-vs-washington-capitals-first-round-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> for the President&#8217;s Trophy. Dallas has looked nothing like the team that got swept in the season series. <span class=\"C($c-fuji-grey-m)\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnswy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wyatt Johnston<\/a><\/span> led the team with 32 goals while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roberja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jason Robertson<\/a> dished out 51 assists.<\/p>\n<p>This game is going to be tough to call, but Dallas gets off to a good start in the series.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers<\/h3>\n<h4>Season Head-to-Head: Kings 1-3 Oilers<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> ESPN2, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS, BSSC<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/22\/edmonton-oilers-vs-la-kings-series\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a> visiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/15\/how-edmonton-oilers-shape-up-for-post-season\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers.<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/talboca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Talbot<\/a> is the expected starter for the Kings, who edged the Golden Knights for third in the Pacific Division. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mooretr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trevor Moore<\/a> led the team in goals with 31 while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Kempe<\/a> led the club in assists with 47.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stuart Skinner<\/a> is the slated starter for the Oilers, who had the Kings number in recent years. However, the post-season is a different animal. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hymanza01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Hyman<\/a> leads the team in goals while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> was the fourth player to notch 100 assists in a season.<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles is a game team, but Edmonton&#8217;s weapons like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-22_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> will get the job done.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-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":440160,"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":[6081,6010,6124,6017,6028,6084,6062,6019],"class_list":["post-440152","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-carolina-hurricanes-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-edmonton-oilers-predictions","tag-los-angeles-kings-predictions","tag-new-york-islanders-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\/440152","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=440152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440152\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/440160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=440152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=440152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=440152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}