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 Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
Series Head-to-Head: Capitals 0-1 Rangers
TV: ESPN, TVAS, SN East, SNO, SN West; Sportsnet
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Capitals trying to rebound against the Rangers. Charlie Lindgren is the expected starter for Washington, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Capitals got their only goal from Martin Fehervary, as the Blueshirts broke through in the second period. Alex Ovechkin was held without a shot in a post-season game for the first tie in a long time. However, don’t expect that to be the case again.
Igor Shesterkin is the likely starter for the Rangers, who used a dominant second period to grab Game 1. New York’s fourth line paced the team with Matt Rempe getting a goal and Barclay Goodrow getting two assists. Chris Kreider put a cap on things with a franchise playoff-record 41st goal. The Rangers showed they won’t be pushed around by the Caps.
Expect Washington make adjustments, but the Rangers should get Game 2.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
Series Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-1 Panthers
TV: ESPN2, SN 360, TVAS
The Battle of Florida is the second game of our NHL predictions between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. Tampa Bay made it interesting in the later stages, but Florida walked away with the win. Andrei Vasilevskiy is the confirmed starter for the Lightning, who are looking to bring home ice back to Tampa. Brandon Hagel and Steven Stamkos each tallied for the Lightning in the series-opener.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for the Panthers, who got a goal and an assists from Matthew Tkachuck and two assists from Aleksander Barkov. Florida showed all the tools in Game 1 that made it a Stanley Cup finalist last season. Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe each added goals in the first game of the series for the Panthers.
This one is expected to go at least six or seven games. Tampa Bay should bounce back.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets
Series Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Jets
TV: ESPN, CBC, TVAS, Alititude
Game 1 was a wild one between the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets. Alexandar Georgiev is the likely starter despite a shaky first game for the Avalanche. Many people probably didn’t take the over in this game between two solid defensive clubs. Cale Makar tallied a goal and two assists in the series-opener for the Avalanche.
Connor Hellebuyck is the probable starter in net for the Jets, who reeled off seven goals in the opener. Team captain Adam Lowry and Kyle Connor each notched a pair of goals for the Jets, who can take good signs after their stagnant offence scored. However, the team needs to tighten things up if they want to get a 2-0 series lead.
Both teams should go back to the norm after an offensive outburst. However, the Jets get the series lead.
Prediction: Jets win 4-2.
Nashville Predators vs Vancouver Canucks
Series Head-to-Head: Predators 0-1 Canucks
TV: ESPN2, Sportsnet, TVAS, BSSO
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Nashville Predators trying to get one game from the Vancouver Canucks. Juuse Saros is the projected starter for the Predators, who hung with the Canucks for most of the game. Jason Zucker and Ryan O’Reilly each scored in the first game.
Thatcher Demko is the likely starter for the Canucks, who got two goals from Dakota Joshua in the third period. Vancouver really buckled down in the latter stages to secure the win.
Both teams can play solid defence, but Nashville evens things up.
Prediction: Predators win 3-2.
Main photo by: Wendell Cruz – USA Today Sports
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