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 Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions: April 12th including Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
St Louis Blues vs Boston Bruins
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Bruins
This is one of the odd matchups that has yet to happen this season, with the second and final meeting coming on the 19th.
While there is still plenty to play for in this game, both teams have all but secured a spot in the postseason. The Bruins sit 20 points clear in the wild card and the Blues are secure in third in their division.
Do not, however, to see either team sit back and rest on their laurels. Look for Ville Husso to do what he’s done all season and stop the biscuit from going into the basket.
Prediction: Blues win 4-3
Buffalo Sabres vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Sabres 2-1 Leafs
Despite this game being a matter of a have and have not, it is not nearly as straightforward. The Sabres have played spoiler twice this season against the Leafs, winning two of three meetings thus far.
While it would certainly make for an interesting storyline to see them pull off a third win, it is hard to see the Sabres stopping Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. So long as Jack Campbell can perform his duties, the Leafs should win this comfortably.
Prediction: Leafs win 5-2
Anaheim Ducks vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Ducks 0-1 Panthers
Earlier this season, this game would have made for a much more interesting one. Now, not so much.
The Ducks have been in a free fall in the latter half of the season, and even the play of Troy Terry can’t soften their fall. Pair this with the fact that they are going up against one of the best offensive teams in NHL history, and you get a recipe for a big win.
Look for Jonathan Huberdeau to continue to pad his stat line in this one.
Prediction: Florida wins 6-1
Philadelphia Flyers vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Flyers 2-1 Capitals
This has been a season to forget for the Flyers, as they have gone 23-38-11 to this point and sit firmly in the basement for nearly every statistical category. The only solace for them is that the season is nearly finished.
As for the Capitals, they have had their ups and downs, with two downs coming in a pair of 2-1 losses to the Flyers back on February 26th and November 21st. Despite that, they have seen some great play from young netminder Ilya Samsonov and a balance of scoring from the likes of Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, and Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-1
Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-1 Rangers
In what is undoubtedly the best matchup of the day, we get to see two of the top three defensive teams square off in the Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers matchup.
The Rangers have gotten Vezina Trophy-level play from young Igor Shesterkin, who currently sits at 34-10-4 with a .935 save percentage to go with an impressive 2.07 GAA and four shutouts. On the other end of the ice, Artemi Panarin has continually created offensive firepower.
As for the Hurricanes, they have been an immensely well-rounded squad from front to back. Expect to see Sebastian Aho pop up on the scoresheet.
This is a very tough pick, but someone has to win.
Prediction: Rangers win 3-2
Main photo:
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