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 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days.
NHL Predictions
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 2-1 Lightning
TV: Sportsnet; Bally Sports Sunshine; Max; TNT
Our opening and featured game of NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs looking to stop a three-game losing streak before they start their playoff series against the Boston Bruins. Martin Jones is the expected starter, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Auston Matthews is expected to play tonight in his quest to get to 70 goals. Matthews has 69 goals and 38 assists for the Maple Leafs. Tyler Bertuzzi has scored five goals and added three assists over the last 10 games.
Matt Tomkins is the confirmed starter for the Lightning, who are also on a three-game losing skid. Tampa Bay has a date with the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nikita Kucherov is looking to get assist number 100 to join Wayne Gretzky , Connor McDavid , Mario Lemieux with a century of assists in a season. Brandon Hagel has two goals and seven assists over the last 10 games.
We feel both milestones will get taken down tonight, but the Leafs end the season with a win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-3.
St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Blues 2-1 Stars
TV: TNT; Max
The St Louis Blues finish out the season against the Dallas Stars in this game. Jordan Binnington is the confirmed starter for the Blues, who will miss out on the post-season once again. St Louis is 5-3-2 in the last 10 games. Robert Thomas has 25 goals and 60 assists for the Blues. Jordan Kyrou has scored six goals with five assists over the past 10 games.
Dallas leads the Western Conference and will go with Jake Oettinger in the blue paint. A point here would give the Stars first place in the Western Conference. The Stars are 8-2 in the last 10 games. Jason Robertson has 28 goals and 52 assists for the Stars. Team captain Jamie Benn has scored six goals and added six assists over the past 10 games.
The Stars have something to play for and get the win in this one.
Prediction: Stars win 5-2.
Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-1 Coyotes
TV: Sportsnet; Scripps; ESPN+
Our final game of NHL predictions has the Edmonton Oilers visit the Arizona Coyotes in what could be the final game at Mullet Arena. Calvin Pickard is the expected starter for the Oilers, who are 6-2-2 in the last 10. Keep an eye on some players possibly getting rested with Edmonton locked into the two spot. Leon Draisaitl has scored 41 goals with 65 assists for the Oilers. McDavid has six goals and seven assists over the last 10 games.
Karel Vejmelka is the likely starter for the Coyotes, who are likely playing their last game under that banner. Arizona has gone 6-4 in the last 10 games and looking to end on a high note. Clayton Keller has 33 goals and 42 assists for the Coyotes. Rookie Logan Cooley has seven goals and three assists over the last 10 games.
It would be a positive ending if the Coyotes win, but the Oilers spoil the party.
Prediction: Oilers win 5-4.
Here’s are other game for NHL predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Penguins 2-1 Islanders
TV: MSGSN; Sportsnet Pittsburgh; ESPN+
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: April 17 w/ Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .