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’s featured game is the Detroit Red Wings vs Colorado Avalanche. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Sabres 2-0 Maple Leafs
TV: Sportsnet; TNT; Max
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Buffalo Sabres heading across the way to face the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sabres have scored a total of 15 goals in two games this season against their division rivals. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the confirmed starter in between the pipes for Buffalo, which has won three of the last five games. Jeff Skinner leads the team in goals with 20.
Ilya Samsonov is the confirmed starting goalie for the Maple Leafs, who are 8-2 in the last 10 games. Toronto faces the gauntlet of another meeting with the Boston Bruins coming tomorrow. The Leafs have a date with their old rival, the Montreal Canadiens, on Saturday. Auston Matthews leads the league in goals with 53 while William Nylander has hit the 50-assist mark.
The nine-goal outburst from the Sabres shook the Leafs to their core. Toronto picks up a much-needed win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 5-4.
Detroit Red Wings vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-0 Avalanche
TV: TNT; Max; Sportsnet 360
Our featured game has the Red Wings taking on the Avalanche in the renewal of the old rivalry. Detroit is expected to go with Alex Lyon in between the pipes for this one. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Red Wings will be without team captain Dylan Larkin for the next couple of weeks. Larkin is also the team’s leading goal-scorer with 26. This means players like Lucas Raymond and others will have to step up.
Colorado has confirmed it will start Alexandar Georgiev in goal. The Avalanche are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and in a dog fight for the Central Division title. Nathan MacKinnon has eclipsed the 100-point mark with 39 goals and 66 assists so far this campaign. Colorado is the best team in the league when scoring goals, but might need to shore up the defence at the deadline.
Losing Larkin is a big blow for Detroit. Look for Colorado to take advantage of this.
Prediction: Avalanche win 3-1.
Ottawa Senators vs Anaheim Ducks
Head-to-Head: Senators 0-1 Ducks
TV: Bally Sports West; TSN5; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Ottawa Seantors continuing their Western swing against the Anaheim Ducks. Anton Forsberg is the scheduled starter for the Senators, who have lost four straight. Vladimir Tarasenko was dealt to the Florida Panthers.
John Gibson is the expected starter for the Ducks, who are 4-5-1 in the last 10 games. This team could be completely different after the deadline.
Both teams are just playing out the string at this points.
Prediction: Ducks win 5-4.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
