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 Boston Bruins. vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders
Series Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 3-0 Islanders
TV: TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSSO, MSGSN
Our opening game of NHL predictions has the Carolina Hurricanes looking for the sweep against the New York Islanders. Frederik Andersen is the likely starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Carolina has been stingy on the defensive end and been opportunistic. Sebastian Aho has two goals so far while Andrei Svechnikov has handed out four assists.
Semyon Varlamov will be tasked with trying to save the Islanders season. He’ll come in to replace the struggling Ilya Sorokin, who was pulled in Game 3. The Isles are ruing the missed opportunity of not getting a win in Game 2. Players like Brock Nelson, Anders Lee and Noah Dobson are going to have to step up. However, it may be too little too late.
The Isles are going to put up a fight, but the Canes should wrap this up.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-2.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Series Head-to-Head: Panthers 3-0 Lightning
TV: TBS, TruTV, TVAS, SN East, SN West, SN Pacific, BSSUN, BSFL
No one could have seen this coming as the Florida Panthers seek the sweep against the rival Tampa Bay Lightning. Sergei Bobrovsky has continued his great play in between the pipes from last season. Matthew Tkachuk has racked up three goals so far while Carter Verhaeghe and Gustav Forsling each have distributed three assists this series.
Andrei Vasilevskiy is the man who will have to help the Lightning try to save their season. Steven Stamkos has netted three goals and Nikita Kucherov has put up three assists. However, the team’s defence needs to improve and the supporting cast needs to chip in. This Lightning team doesn’t seem as deep as the ones in seasons past.
Florida should win the series, but Tampa Bay lives to die another day.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3 in overtime.
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series Head-to-Head: Bruins 2-1 Maple Leafs
TV: TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS, CBC, NESN
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Bruins looking to lock in a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Bruins goalie rotation would usually point at Linus Ullmark getting the start. However, head coach Jim Montgomery could be tempted to go with Jeremy Swayman in goal for this game. Swayman has beaten Toronto in all five starts so far this season. Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk have been menaces this series for Boston.
Ilya Samsonov likely gets the call in the blue paint for the Maple Leafs, who need a victory. The status of William Nylander is still unknown, as he’s dealing with migraines from a possible concussion. A lot of criticism has fallen at the feet of Mitch Marner, but the rest of the core four for the Leafs are going to have to step up in this series.
Keep an eye on the starter situation for Boston. If Ullmark starts, the Leafs could have a shot.
Prediction: Bruins win 4-2.
Dallas Stars vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series Head-to-Head: Stars 0-2 Golden Knights
TV: TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, SN 360, TVAS, BSSW, Scrippa
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Dallas Stars trying to pick themselves off the mat against the Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. Jake Oettinger will once again get the nod in goal for the Stars. The second period has troubled Dallas and the Central Division champions will have to finish strong in order to get back into the series. Jason Robertson has been one of the few bright spots for the Stars.
Logan Thompson should draw the start once again for Vegas, which looks like a new team with Mark Stone back in the lineup. The Golden Knights have only given up an average of two goals per game in the first two contests of the series. Jonathan Marchessault has two goals this series while Jack Eichel has also played very well.
The Stars need to pick up the intensity and should do so in Game 3.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
