{"id":465864,"date":"2025-04-02T11:09:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T15:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=465864"},"modified":"2025-04-02T11:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T15:09:10","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-2-florida-panthers-vs-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/02\/nhl-predictions-april-2-florida-panthers-vs-toronto-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 2 Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em>\u00a0look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/03\/10\/florida-panthers-star-given-hefty-suspension\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers\u00a0<\/a>taking on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/02\/toronto-maple-leafs-proving-critics-wrong-with-five-forward-power-play\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as\u00a0our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Capitals 1-1 Hurricanes<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time<\/strong>: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Monumental Sports Network; Fan Duel Sports South; TNT; TruTV; Max<\/p>\n<p>We open NHL predictions with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/03\/31\/washington-capitals-sign-2023-first-round-pick\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals<\/a> visiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/03\/17\/alexander-nikishin-hurricanes-next-defensive-star\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Hurricanes.<\/a> Washington is expected to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomplo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan Thompson<\/a> in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a> is just four goals away from eclipsing the great <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gretzwa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wayne Gretzky<\/a> for the all-time goals record.<\/p>\n<p>Carolina is likely to start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/anderfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Frederik Andersen<\/a> in between the pipes for this game. Andersen has been great since returning from injury with a 2.01 goals-against-average. The Hurricanes are 8-2 in the last 10 games and this includes two consecutive wins. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jarvise01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Seth Jarvis<\/a> leads the team in goals with 20 this season.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are playing well and this could be a post-season preview. However, Washington gets the victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Florida Panthers vs Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-0 Maple Leafs<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time<\/strong>: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet; Scripps Florida; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/30619\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Our featured game<\/a> of NHL predictions is the Panthers trying to bounce back against the Maple Leafs. Florida is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> in goal for this game. The Panthers have dropped their last two games and are 4-5-1 in the last 10 games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bennesa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Bennett<\/a> has 25 goals and 24 assists this season for Florida.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stolaan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Stolarz<\/a> is the projected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. Toronto has also won the last two games entering this pivotal matchup. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tavarjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Tavares<\/a> has posted a great season with 35 goals and 34 assists for the Maple Leafs.<\/p>\n<p>Florida may be reeling, but the team seemingly has Toronto&#8217;s number.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Blackhawks<\/h3>\n<p>Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-2 Blackhawks<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time<\/strong>: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Altitude 2; TNT; TruTV; Max; SN 360<\/p>\n<p>Our last featured game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/03\/31\/nhl-predictions-march-31-calgary-flames-colorado-avalanche\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> taking on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/03\/27\/nhl-rumours-chicago-blackhawks-could-make-major-acquistion\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>. Colorado is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wedgesc01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Wedgewood<\/a> in the blue paint. The Avalanche are 6-2-2 in the last 10 games. However, Colorado has dropped its last two games prior to this one. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> leads the team in goals (30), assists (80) and points (110) this season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/knighsp01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spencer Knight<\/a> is the probable starter for the Blackhawks, who are 1-9 in the last 10 games. This includes three straight losses before this US primetime game. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/donatry01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Donato<\/a> is first in goals (29) and points (59) this campaign.<\/p>\n<p>Chicago is just playing out the string while Colorado is looking to get back on track.<\/p>\n<p>Prediction: Avalanche win 5-1.<\/p>\n<h3>Seattle Kraken vs Vancouver Canucks<\/h3>\n<h4>Head-to-Head: Kraken 2-1 Canucks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 10:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> SN Pacific; KHN; KONG; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Canucks win 4-3.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to the featured game for this one. For Florida, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> to get the over on 0.5 points in this game. On the Toronto side, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marnemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mitch Marner<\/a> to get a power-play point.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly. Check your local laws. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at\u00a0Last Word on Hockey\u00a0look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the\u00a0Florida Panthers\u00a0taking on the\u00a0Toronto Maple Leafs. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":439365,"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":[6,4547,4548,4524,18],"tags":[6010,6233,6085,6255,6062,6239],"class_list":["post-465864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-panthers","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","category-leafs","tag-carolina-hurricanes-predictions","tag-chicago-blackhawks-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465864","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=465864"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":465865,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465864\/revisions\/465865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/439365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=465864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=465864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=465864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}