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 Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Florida Panthers . Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Senators 2-0 Blue Jackets
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN5; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with an important game between the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets . Ottawa is expected to go with Linus Ullmark in goal for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Senators are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games and that includes three consecutive victories. Jake Sanderson has logged four goals with four assists over the last 10 games.
Elvis Merzlikins is the projected starter for the Blue Jackets, who have lost the last three games in a row. Columbus is 3-6-1 in the last 10 games and the wheels have fallen off in its Stanley Cup Playoff push. Sean Monahan has played well as of late with four goals and nine assists over the last 10 games for the Blue Jackets.
Columbus needs a win, but Ottawa finds a way to solidify its post-season place.
Prediction: Senators win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-2 Panthers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN4; ESPN; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions is a possible post-season preview between the Maple Leafs and the Panthers. Anthony Stolarz is expected to get the start against one of his former teams. Toronto is coming into this game with an 8-1-1 mark in the last 10 games, including four consecutive victories. The Leafs are actually 13-7-1 in Atlantic Division play. Mitch Marner is having the perfect time to have a great year with 4 goals and 70 assists for Toronto.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the likely starter for the Panthers, who are losers of five straight games. Florida is also 3-6-1 in the last 10 games and has struggled to score less than two goals a game during this rough patch. Sam Reinhart has tallied 37 goals and 41 assists for the Panthers.
The Leafs usually struggle with the Panthers, but the visitors pick up a key win.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 4-1.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-1 Avalanche
Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SN360; ESPN; ESPN+
The last game of today’s NHL predictions has the Vegas Golden Knights visiting the Colorado Avalanche . Vegas is probable to start with Adin Hill in the blue paint for this game. The Golden Knights are 8-2 in the last 10 games and have taken the last two games in a row. Jack Eichel has averaged over a point a games as of late with six goals and seven assists over the last 10 games.
Mackenzie Blackwood is the probable starter for the Avalanche, who are 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, Colorado is coming off a defeat in its last outing. Martin Necas has taken to life with his new team with 27 goals with 55 assists for the Avalanche.
This could be a post-season preview, but Vegas gets the win.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets. Let’s go back to our featured game for our props. For Toronto, take John Tavares to get a power-play point. On the Florida end of things, take Reinart to get a goal in this game.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 8 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .