{"id":440424,"date":"2024-04-30T10:00:31","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=440424"},"modified":"2024-04-30T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T19:00:00","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-30-w-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-boston-bruins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/30\/nhl-predictions-april-30-w-toronto-maple-leafs-vs-boston-bruins\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 30 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\/29\/maple-leafs-sign-21-year-old-to-elc\/\" 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 1-3 Bruins<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> ESPN, NESN, Sportsnet, CBC<\/p>\n<p>We start our NHL predictions with our featured game of the night. The spring of discontent is almost upon up with the Maple Leafs on the brink of elimination. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wolljo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joseph Woll<\/a> will be tasked with trying to save the team&#8217;s season, 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. The status of superstar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> is uncertain due to an illness. Could this be the last ride of the Core Four? Will Leafs general manager Brad Treliving blow it up and start again with the team? Toronto needs a win to force Game 6 at home. This could also be the last game in charge for head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/keefesh01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sheldon Keefe<\/a> if things don&#8217;t go the Leafs way.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/swaymje01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Swayman<\/a> has proven too good against the Leafs to continue the goalie rotation. Boston has gotten into the heads of Toronto thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchbr03.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brad Marchand<\/a> and some timely goal-scoring. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carlobr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Carlo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lindhha01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hampus Lindholm<\/a> have been excellent on defence this series in stopping Matthews. The Bruins have also made the Maple Leafs pay whenever the Buds make a costly mistake. Boston is going to all it can to book a date with the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/29\/nhl-predictions-april-29-w-tampa-bay-lightning-vs-florida-panthers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Florida Panthers.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Can Woll give Toronto a spark? He&#8217;s a capable goalie, but Boston puts the Leafs away.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Bruins win 4-1.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-3 Hurricanes<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TBS, BSSO, MSGSN, Sportsnet 360<\/p>\n<p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/26\/hurricanes-top-to-bottom-strength-showing-vs-islanders-in-first-round\/\" target=\"_self\"> New York Islanders<\/a> stayed alive against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/24\/nhl-rumours-carolina-hurricanes-philadelphia-flyers\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> and want to send the series back to Long Island. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/barzama01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mathew Barzal<\/a>&#8216;s overtime winner gave the Isles some life into the Isles. However, it&#8217;s a tall order to go into Raleigh to get a win. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/varlasi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Semyon Varlamov<\/a> will once again likely get the start in the crease for the Islanders.<\/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=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Frederik Andersen<\/a> is the probable starter for the Hurricanes, which can set up a showdown with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/28\/new-york-rangers-and-washington-capitals-mid-series-first-round-playoff-review\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a> in round two. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarvise01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Jarvis<\/a> leads the team with two goals and two assists for four points. The Hurricanes also have four points from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/necasma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Necas<\/a> in the series.<\/p>\n<p>Carolina wants to get some rest before the matchup with the other New York team. The Canes finish the job.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Avalanche 3-1 Jets<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> ESPN; Altitude; SN West, CBC<\/p>\n<p>The next game of our NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/28\/nhl-predictions-april-28-w-winnipeg-jets-vs-colorado-avalanche\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> trying to finish off the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/23\/few-storylines-game-2-for-colorado-avalanche-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\"> Winnipeg Jets<\/a> up north. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexandar Georgiev<\/a> has settled down after a shaky Game 1 and gets the start again. Colorado has put in 22 goals in four games this series. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/makarca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cale Makar<\/a> is among the league leaders in points this post-season with two goals and six assists.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/helleco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Hellebuyck<\/a> may be nominated for Vezina Trophy, but his play has been lacking. Winnipeg has only put up five goals in the last three games after scoring seven in the series opener. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/scheima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Scheifele<\/a> leads the team in points with five after getting three goals and two assists.<\/p>\n<p>The Jets are usually pretty good home and will extend the series.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Jets win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Nashville Predators vs Vancouver Canucks<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Predators 1-3 Canucks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TBS; BSSO; Sportsnet<\/p>\n<p>Our final game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/27\/the-nashville-predators-and-vancouver-canucks-mid-series-review\/\" target=\"_self\">Nashville Predators<\/a> trying to stave off elimination against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/04\/23\/thatcher-demko-injured\/\" target=\"_self\">Vancouver Canucks<\/a>. The Predators were inches away from tying the series, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sissoco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colton Sissons<\/a> missed the empty net and opened the flood games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sarosju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juuse Saros<\/a> is the likely starter for Nashville.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/desmica01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Casey DeSmith<\/a> could be back in net for the potential clinching game. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boesebr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Boeser<\/a>&#8216;s hat trick helped Vancouver rally and salvage both games in the Music City. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/millejt01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">J.T. Miller<\/a> has four goals and five assists so far for the Canucks.<\/p>\n<p>How does Nashville come out after a stunning loss? This team has shown heart when put up against the wall.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Predators win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY\u00a0<\/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":440427,"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":[6081,6010,6085,6011,6084,6062,6014],"class_list":["post-440424","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-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-nashville-predators-predictions","tag-new-york-islanders-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-vancouver-canucks-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440424","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=440424"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/440424\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/440427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=440424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=440424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=440424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}