NHL preseason predictions today: Previews and predictions | 24th Sept, 2024

Preseason hockey is a good time for NHL teams to take a look at prospects or veterans trying to make a roster. Often times, teams do not play their top players as they want to avoid getting them hurt, which makes predicting preseason hockey games nearly impossible.

But, ahead of Tuesday's preseason games, here are predictions for all eight games taking place:

NHL preseason predictions today

Buffalo @ Pittsburgh

The Buffalo Sabres open the NHL season in Europe and the majority of the team have already left. The Sabres will be playing prospects and AHL players so Pittsburgh at home should be able to cruise to a win here.

Prediction: Penguins 4, Sabres 1.

Carolina @ Tampa Bay

The Carolina Hurricanes are set for their preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay is playing some star players and at home, the Lightning will be motivated to get the win here.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 3, Carolina 2.

New Jersey vs Montreal

The New Jersey Devils, like the Buffalo Sabres, begin the season in Europe next week, so they won't be playing most of their key players.

The Canadians at home will be playing most of their starters as this is a spot that Montreal should cruise to a win.

Prediction: Montreal 5, New Jersey 3

New York Islanders vs New York Rangers

The New York Islanders and the New York Rangers are rivals and even though this is preseason, it should be a physical game.

Although some star players won't be playing, fringe roster players will be looking to make a statement. But, at home, take the Rangers to get the win here as New York does have the better overall roster.

Prediction: Rangers 4, Islanders 2

Toronto vs Ottawa

Toronto and Ottawa played on Sunday in their first preseason opener and it was the Sens who got the road win in OT.

At home, Ottawa should play more starters while Toronto's key players likely won't send some star players on the road. With that, the Sens should start their preseason off 2-0.

Prediction: Ottawa 5, Toronto 3

Washington vs Boston

Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery has said he wants the prospects and fringe roster players to get a look early on.

With the Bruins likely not playing most of their NHL roster, Washington should be able to go on the road to get the win here.

Prediction: Washington 3, Boston 1

Anaheim vs San Jose

Anaheim and San Jose are two of the younger teams in the NHL, but this is a good spot for the Sharks to get the win.

Macklin Celebrini is the real deal and should be able to lift San Jose to the win here.

Prediction: San Jose 5, Anaheim 4

Seattle vs Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks have question marks at goaltending with Thatcher Demko being injured. But, at home, Vancouver should roll out most of their main roster to get a win.

Prediction: Vancouver 3, Seattle 2