

Those sub-optimal efforts are analogous to their season as a whole and have relegated the Blue Jackets to the bottom of the high-danger and scoring chances against standings.įor years the Maple Leafs have been one of the best analytics teams in the NHL, and that hasn't changed this season. Scoring chances are equally abundant, with opponents going north of 25 in all but one of those matchups. Nine of the last 11 teams they've faced have attempted at least 10 high-danger chances. That benchmark seems much worse when adjusted for opponents, as three of those contests came against non-playoff teams.ĭefensive zone coverage has been of particular concern for the Blue Jackets, who are letting their opponents run roughshod in their end. Over that five-game sample, Columbus has posted a laughable 34.0% expected goals-for rating. Somehow, they have managed to lower the bar over their recent sample.Ĭolumbus has been outplayed in seven straight, looking atrocious over the past five. The Blue Jackets were ruled out of a postseason berth well before the math added up, though. Columbus ranks dead-last in the Metropolitan Division and has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention for weeks. Toronto sits second in the Atlantic division, trailing the Bruins by only three points, while Tampa Bay is nipping at the heels of the Maple Leafs in third place in the division.The past few months have been nothing but a formality for the Blue Jackets. This is a must-watch game as the Maple Leafs seek retribution for their game-seven first-round exit last spring. On the other side, the Tampa Bay Lightning are 7-3-0 in their last ten games, with two losses coming from the Atlantic-leading Boston Bruins. The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing solid hockey and riding a five-game winning streak entering tonight’s game. Tonight’s NHL predictions featured game is a rematch from last year’s first-round playoff matchup between these two division rivals. Prediction: Blackhawks win 6-4 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 0-0 Lightning

This contest should be a high-scoring affair considering the Rangers’ possible fatigue, and both teams’ starting goalies have struggled this season. Petr Mrazek is expected to get the Blackhawks’ start and has a 1-5-1 record on the season. Halak picked up his first win in his most recent start and has a record of 1-5-1 this season. Jaroslav Halak is expected to start for the Rangers after their starter, Igor Shesterkin, started last night. The Rangers are on the backside of a back-to-back as they took on the Ottawa Senators last night. In this Original Six matchup, the New York Rangers play host to the Chicago Blackhawks. Look for the Penguins to rally together after receiving the news of Letang

Jordan Binnington is expected to get the nod for the Blues, while Tristan Jarry is likely to start in goal for the Penguins. The Penguins have won 3 of their last five, scoring 13 goals and allowing 11 in that span. The Pittsburgh Penguins received scary news this week as defenceman Kris Letang suffered a stroke and remains out indefinitely. In their previous five games, the Blues have allowed 25 goals while only scoring 14. After putting together a seven-game winning streak, the St Louis Blues have dropped four of their last five. Starting this NHL predictions piece, let’s look at the Blues vs the Penguins. NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning St Louis Blues vs Pittsburgh Penguins Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Penguins Today’s featured game is the Toronto Maple Leafs vs the Tampa Bay Lightning. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. 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. Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions.
