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 Detroit Red Wings 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
Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1-1 Senators
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN5; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with a battle between the Carolina Hurricanes versus the Ottawa Senators. Frederik Andersen is projected starter for Carolina, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Canes are 4-5-1 in the last 10 and have lost two straight games. However, the team has been resting a number of its star players with the Stanley Cup Playoffs looming.
Ottawa is expected to start Linus Ullmark, but that situation could be fluid with it also making the post-season. The Senators are 6-2-2 in the last 10 games, but lost the last time out. Tim Stutzle is first on the team in assists (53) and points (76).
This will be a hard game to read with likely lineup changes, but take Carolina to win.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-2 Blue Jackets
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN5; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+
NHL predictions rolls on with a Metropolitan Division matchup between the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Islanders are likely to give Ilya Sorokin the start in the regular season finale. New York is 3-5-2 in the last 10 games and has dropped its last game out. Anders Lee has tallied 30 goals and 25 assists for the Islanders.
Jet Greaves is the expected starter for Columbus and is looking to end his season on a high note. The Blue Jackets were eliminated from post-season contention last night, but have been a pleasant surprise this season. Columbus has won five straight games and is 6-4 in the last 10 games. Adam Fantilli is the first member of the 2023 NHL Draft class to reach the 30-goal plateau.
Columbus may be eliminated, but it will end the season on a high to honour the memory of Johnny Gaudreau.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 5-2.
Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-2 Maple Leafs
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN4; Fan Duel Sports Detroit; ESPN+
Our last game of NHL predictions has an Original Six battle between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs. Detroit is projected to go with Petr Mrazek in goal for this game. The Red Wings will miss out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the ninth straight season, but want to end the season strong. Detroit is 6-3-1 in the last 10 games and have three straight victories. Alex DeBrincat is the team’s leader in goals with 38.
Joseph Woll is the expected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games are have taken the last four games in a row. Toronto may have some different faces in the lineup in order to rest up for the post-season. William Nylander has registered 45 goals and 39 assists this season for the Maple Leafs.
It’ll be hard to gauge how this game will go, but take Detroit to get the win.
Prediction: Red Wings win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. For our featured game, we’ll stay away from the Leafs props because of lineup uncertainty. However, go with the under of 5.5 goals for this game. On the Detroit side, take Lucas Raymond to get the over on 0.5 points.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 17 Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.