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 New York Rangers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-0 Blue Jackets
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Fan Duel Sports Ohio; Scripps Florida; ESPN+
We open up NHL predictions with a pivotal Eastern Conference game between the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets. Sergei Bobrovsky is the projected starter for the Panthers, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Florida is 7-3 in the last 10 games, but have dropped the last two heading into this one. Sam Reinhart has racked up 33 goals and 39 assists for the Panthers.
Elvis Merzlikins is the expected starter for the Blue Jackets, who are 4-6 in the last 10 games. This includes four consecutive losses for a Columbus team trying to keep pace in the Wild Card race in the East. The Jackets are a strong team in Ohio with a 20-9-4 record on their home ice. Mathieu Olivier has been playing well as of late with seven goals and one assist over the past 10 games.
Both teams need a win, but Florida gets the victory.
Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-1 Rangers
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SNO; MSG 2; ESPN+
Our featured game of NHL predictions has the Maple Leafs and the Rangers squaring off an Original Six battle. Anthony Stolarz is the expected starter for Toronto, which got a key 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche the night before. The Leafs are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games, but did get two victories heading into this game. William Nylander is chasing the 40-goal mark with 38 goals and 33 assists for the Maple Leafs.
Igor Shesterkin is the probable starter for the Rangers, who are trying to vault back into the Wild Card spots. New York is 4-4-2 in the last 10 and this includes two consecutive losses. The Blueshirts have actually struggled at home with a 16-16-3 mark at Madison Square Garden. Artemi Panarin has provided 30 goals and 42 assists for New York.
Toronto may be coming in off a back-to-back, but it will have the momentum.
Prediction: Maple Leafs win 3-2.
Colorado Avalanche vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 1-0 Senators
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN 5; Altitude; ESPN+
The last game of NHL predictions has the Avalanche visiting the Ottawa Senators. Colorado is expected to start Scott Wedgewood in between the pipes for this game. The Avalanche are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games, but did lose to the Maple Leafs last night. Valeri Nichushkin has been averaging a point a game as of late with seven goals with three assists over the last 10 games.
Ottawa is expected to start Linus Ullmark in this game. The Senators are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games, but are coming off a loss prior to this matchup. Ottawa has been great at home with a 20-9-2 record at the Canadian Tire Centre. Brady Tkachuk has produced 27 goals and 24 assists for the Senators.
These two teams are needing points, but Ottawa’s home record gives them the edge.
Prediction: Senators win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go to our featured game for some prop bets. For Toronto, go with Auston Matthews to get a power-play point. On the Rangers side of things, take Mika Zibanejad to score a goal in this one.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: March 20 Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.