Welcome to another installment of NHL Predictions where we delve into the day’s matchups and offer our insights. Today’s highlighted game features the clash between the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, considered must-watch television. Make sure to stay tuned for more NHL predictions in the upcoming days.
Kicking off our predictions is the Edmonton Oilers, expected to have Stuart Skinner guarding the net, although it’s advisable to double-check on social media for any last-minute changes. The Oilers have been formidable lately, boasting a record of 7-1-2 in their last ten games as they strive to secure second place in the Pacific Division. Connor McDavid is eyeing a spot among hockey’s elite with his pursuit of joining the ranks of Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, and Wayne Gretzky as one of the few to achieve 100 assists in a season. Meanwhile, Zach Hyman leads the Oilers in goals scored with an impressive 48.
Over on the Maple Leafs’ side, Ilya Samsonov is confirmed as the starting goaltender. Toronto has had a decent run, going 6-3-1 in their last ten games, albeit potentially missing key forwards like Tyler Bertuzzi due to illness and Mitch Marner whose status remains uncertain. Auston Matthews commands attention with his league-leading 57 goals, while William Nylander tops the Leafs in assists with 53.
In another highlighted matchup, the Florida Panthers face off against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to mind the net for Florida, who have encountered a slight dip in form, losing three consecutive games despite maintaining a 6-4 record in their last ten outings. Sam Reinhart leads the Panthers in goals scored with 48, while Matthew Tkachuk tops the assists chart with the same tally. However, the availability of Aleksander Barkov for this game remains in question, adding an element of uncertainty to this potential playoff preview.
For the Rangers, Igor Shesterkin is confirmed to start, with Artemi Panarin spearheading the offense after a stellar performance with a hat trick in the previous game. Panarin leads the team in both goals, with 41, and assists, with 56, and is inching closer to a 100-point season. Despite missing Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba on the defensive end, the Blueshirts have maintained solidity, although the Panthers might look to exploit this potential gap.