Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Ottawa Senators taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes
Series Head-to-Head: Devils 0-1 Hurricanes
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: MSGSN; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN; TVAS2; SN 360
We open up NHL predictions with our early matchup between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes. Jacob Markstrom is the expected starter for the Devils, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. New Jersey is trying to overcome a rash of injuries to key players. Nico Hischier was the only one to score for the Devils in the 4-1 series-opening loss.
Frederik Andersen is projected to get the start for the Hurricanes, who flipped the switched after playing some experimental lineups in the latter stages of the season. Logan Stankoven scored twice in the second period to power Carolina.
New Jersey will hopefully give a better effort, but Carolina should take a 2-0 series lead.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1.
Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Series Head-to-Head: Senators 0-1 Maple Leafs
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; ESPN2; TVAS
Our featured game of NHL predictions is another chapter in the Battle of Ontario. Ottawa is once again expected to go with Linus Ullmark in between the pipes, but he’ll have to perform better if it wants to emerge with a split. Drake Batherson and Ridley Greig each tallied in the loss for the Senators, who yielded three power-play goals for the Leafs.
Toronto is expected to go with Anthony Stolarz in between the pipes for this game. Stolarz looked solid in the opening game and he’ll have to play the same if the Leafs want a 2-0 series advantage. Mitch Marner‘s three points were critical in giving Toronto some cushion.
The Leafs have the momentum, but they never make things easy for their fans.
Prediction: Senators win 3-2.
Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Season Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-2 Lightning
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TVAS2, ESPN, SN 360, Fan Duel Sports Sun, Scripps Florida
The next game of NHL predictions is the first installment of the Sunshine State Showdown between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida is expected to start with Sergei Bobrovsky in between the pipes. Injuries have affected the defending champions, but head coach Paul Maurice said everyone should be healthy. Sam Reinhart led the team in the regular season in goals (39) and points (81).
Tampa Bay is slated to go with Andrei Vasilevskiy in between the pipes for this game. The Lightning are led by Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov. It’s odd not seeing Steven Stamkos on the roster, but Tampa Bay has adjusted well to life without their longtime captain.
Florida should be healthy, but how much rust will players like Matthew Tkachuk have?
Prediction: Lightning win 4-3.
Minnesota Wild vs Vegas Golden Knights
Series Head-to-Head: Wild 0-1 Golden Knights
Time: 11 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN; Sportsnet, SN 360, TVAS, Scripps Vegas, Fan Duel Sports North
Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to the featured game for our props. For Ottawa, go with Brady Tkachuk to score a goal. On the Toronto side, take Auston Matthews to get a power-play point.
Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 22 Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.