Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Colorado Avalanche. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Buffalo Sabres vs Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-1 Panthers
Time: 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSG Buffalo; Scripps Florida; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with the two teams that made some changes at the trade deadline. The Buffalo Sabres are expected to start Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in between the pipes. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Buffalo has dropped its last five games to have a 4-5-1 mark in the last 10 games. Rasmus Dahlin has been averaging a point a game as of late with five goals and eight assists over the past 10 games.
The Florida Panthers have made some massive changes in getting Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins. However, check the availability of him and any other players that have been moved at the trade deadline. Florida is slated to go with Sergei Bobrovsky in the crease for this one. Sam Reinhart has been great this season with 32 goals and 35 assists for the Panthers.
Florida has thrown down the gauntlet in its quest to repeat. However, there may be some adjustment time for both new lineups.
Prediction: Panthers win 5-2.
Montreal Canadiens vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Flames
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet; CityTV; ESPN+
The next game up NHL predictions with a key matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames. Jakub Dobes is the confirmed starter in net for Montreal, which is 6-3-1 in the last 10 games. However, the Habs are coming off an overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night. Cole Caufield has racked up 31 goals and 25 assists for the Canadiens.
Dustin Wolf is the expected starter for the Flames, who are 3-4-3 in the last 10 games. Calgary didn’t make a lot of moves on deadline day, but are still in position to play meaningful games. Nazem Kadri has averaged a point a game lately with four goals and six assists over the last 10 games for the Flames.
Both teams pretty much stood pat at the trade deadline, but Montreal gets the road victory.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; KTVD; Altitude; NHL Network
The last game of our NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs visiting the Avalanche in a battle of two teams that reshaped their lineups at the deadline. Toronto is slated to go with Anthony Stolarz in between the pipes for this game. The Maple Leafs are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games, but have dropped the last two games in a row. William Nylander has posted 35 goals and 28 assists for Toronto.
Mackenzie Blackwood is the likely starter for the Avalanche, who are 7-3 in the last 10 games. This also includes four consecutive wins and Colorado already added players like Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle at the deadline. Cale Makar is making his case for the Norris Trophy with 24 goals with 50 assists for the Avalanche.
Both teams are going to have different lineups, but Colorado has the momentum going into this one.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go to our featured game of the night for our props. For Toronto, take Matthew Knies to get a point in this game. On the Colorado side, take Nathan MacKinnon to get the over on 1.5 points in this one.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: March 8 Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.