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 Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs New Jersey Devils
Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-0 Devils
TV: Bally Sports Sunshine; MSG+
Our first game of NHL predictions has the Florida Panthers looking to get its first win of the season over the New Jersey Devils. Florida hasn’t looked like the defending Eastern Conference champions in the opening two games. Sergei Bobrovsky is probably the starter, but always check on social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Evan Rodrigues leads the team with two goals and two assists for the Cats.
The New Jersey Devils will look to bounce back from a shootout loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Jack Hughes already has five points so far this season. Vitek Vanecek will likely get the call in between the pipes for the Devils.
It’s been a hard start to the season for Florida and things are only going to get worse without some key components to the lineup.
Prediction: Devils win 4-1.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Blackhawks 0-0 Maple Leafs
TV: NBC Sports Chicago; Sportsnet
Our featured game of NHL predictions has Connor Bedard encounter the Leafs for the first time. Chicago has lost two straight after starting the season with a win. Bedard has three points in three games, but defence there’s still a lack of consistency for the team. Petr Mrazek will likely get the call for Chicago.
Auston Matthews has been stone cold for the Leafs with six goals in two games. It may be worth a prop bet for another multi-point night for the Toronto standout. Joseph Woll will draw into the lineup for the Maple Leafs. Toronto can score, but the defence needs to tighten things up.
Toronto’s depth will carry it through and get off to a 3-0 start.
Prediction: Leafs win 5-2.
Calgary Flames vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Capitals
TV: Monumental Sports Network; Sportsnet West
Our final featured game of NHL predictions has the Calgary Flames visiting the Washington Capitals. Calgary likely goes with Jacob Markstrom in the crease. The Flames were beat by the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-2, in the last outing. Andrew Mangiapane is off to a solid start for the Flames.
Darcy Kuemper is the confirmed starter for the Caps, who have yet to score this season. Washington was shut out in the season-opener by the Penguins. Getting on the board is critical for the Capitals.
Washington will look to bounce back and gets a shootout win.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-3 in a shootout.
Here are the other games for tonight’s NHL predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-0 Blue Jackets
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Bally Sports Detroit
This colourful match has both teams coming off wins. Could Detroit be taking the next step? It’ll be a tough one to call, but we’ll go Red Wings 3-2.
Arizona Coyotes vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Coyotes 0-0 Rangers
Arizona is coming off a win in New Jersey and the Rangers looked sluggish at the start. However, the Rangers should bounce back, 4-2.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: Oct. 16 w/ Chicago Blackhawks vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.