With the large amount of games on tonight’s NHL schedule, it might be hard to know where to start. We at the Last Word on Hockey have helped narrow your focus to our best bets. This round of NHL Predictions will help condense the slate into three best bets and one prop bet of the night.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Rangers
TV: MSG; TSN4; ESPN+
Our first and featured game of NHL predictions has the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to bounce back against the New York Rangers. John Tavares got his milestone 1,000th point, but the Leafs lost to the New York Islanders last night. Martin Jones will likely draw the start with Toronto playing back-to-back games. However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy goalie. The Maple Leafs have wins in three of their last five despite the setback on Long Island.
Igor Shesterkin will likely get the start, but he’s been struggling in recent games. The Blueshirts were the first team to top the Los Angeles Kings in regulation at home this season. Special teams have done well for New York, as its second on the power play and eighth on the penalty kill. Artemi Panari leads in goals (16) and assists (22) for the Rangers.
Toronto has been hard to figure out, but New York wins a close one.
Prediction: Rangers win 4-3.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Edmonton Oilers
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Oilers
TV: ESPN; Sportsnet West
The Chicago Blackhawks try to stop the red-hot Edmonton Oilers in this nationally televised game in the United States. Chicago has losses in three of the last five and will turn to Petr Mrazek in between the pipes in all likelihood. Connor Bedard has been playing the Calder Trophy favourite with 11 goals and 12 assists so far this season. However, he’s going to need other players to shoulder the scoring load.
Edmonton is rolling with a seven-game winning streak, but it needs to keep going after a bad start. Stuart Skinner is the projected starter for the Oilers, who have only allowed one goal in three of the last four games. Connor McDavid is also starting to roll during the team’s recent winning run. He has 26 assists and 10 goals as the Oilers have seemingly risen from the dead.
Chicago has put together some good games. However, Edmonton is clicking in all phases.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-2.
Florida Panthers vs Seattle Kraken
Head-to-Head: Panthers 1-0 Kraken
TV: Root Sports Northwest; Bally Sports Florida; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers looking keep their recent run going. The Panthers have won four of the last five and will likely go with Sergei Bobrovsky in the blue paint. Florida did win 3-2 over the Seattle Kraken in Sunrise on October 28. The Cats are stingy on defence and are third in goals allowed. Sam Reinhart is leading in goals (17) and assists (20) for Florida.
Seattle has lost eight straight and is fading fast in the Pacific Division. Joey Daccord is the projected starter for the Kraken, who are struggling to score during this losing skid. Seattle has been shutout twice during the last five games, and needs to offence to start clicking. Jared McCann and Vince Dunn can only do so much for the beleaguered club.
Florida has momentum and a solid goalie in Bobrovsky to help the Cats keep going.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-1.
Prop Bet of the Night
Let’s go back to our first game of the night for our prop bet for Tuesday. Panarin has an 11-game home point streak at Madison Square Garden. We feel the Breadman will bake up at least a point. Take Panarin and over on 0.5 points.
Main photo by: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 12 with Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.