Welcome to NHL Game day predictions! Each day, Last Word on Hockey will break down every game and give our prediction for who will win. This will also include a featured game that should be must-watch hockey. Tonight’s featured game is the Calgary Flames vs Philadelphia Flyers.
Predictions Featuring Philadelphia Flyers vs Calgary Flames
Philadelphia Flyers vs Calgary Flames
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have seen positive results in the early season. They’ve played just three games, and stand at a 2-0-1 record. Their most recent game was a shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Newcomer Kevin Hayes has fit into the team well. Though he only has one point in three games, Hayes has driven possession with a 56.5% Corsi rating. The main offensive production has come from newly-inked Travis Konecny. The young forward has started hot, scoring six points (three goals, three assists) in three games.
In contrast, the Flames have not started as well as they would have hoped. Their current record stands at 2-3-1 with recent losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks. The Flames have had trouble scoring, netting only 13 goals in six games. That being said, Calgary possesses a forward group with high-end talent that should be able to turn their goal-scoring woes.
Carter Hart has been solid for the Flyers, but the Flames will right the ship and win this game narrowly. However, Philadelphia Flyers vs Calgary Flames should be an entertaining matchup to keep an eye on.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2
Detroit Red Wings vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 0-0 Canucks
The Detroit Red Wings‘ start can be best categorized as inconsistent. Their top line of Anthony Mantha, Dylan Larkin, and Tyler Bertuzzi have combined for 20 points in the team’s first five games. Detroit, however, has had problems with production from their depth scoring. Of the teams’ 16 goals this season, the team’s top line scored 10.
Similarly, the Canucks start has been up and down. They lost their first two games before shelling the Los Angeles Kings 8-2 and then defeated the Flyers in a shootout. While the Canucks, like the Red Wings, have been inconsistent, they differ from Detroit in one big way. Their less lauded talent is responsible for the lion’s share of their offence so far. J.T. Miller is the Canucks’ leading scorer with five points in four games.
Though the Canucks seem to be on the upswing, they also announced Monday night that goaltender Jacob Markstrom had been granted personal leave. With a hole in the net, expect Detroit to score efficiently on their way to a victory.
Prediction: Red Wings win 5-3
Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights
Head-to-Head: Predators 0-0 Golden Knights
The Golden Knights vs Predators game features two of the heavyweights of the Western Conference. The 4-2-0 Golden Knights look primed for contention once again with a stacked forward core, capable defensive play, and strong goal-tending. Tuesday’s match up with the Predators will only be their second game outside the Pacific Division. Mark Stone, in particular, has played a key role in the early proceedings. Entering his first full season with the team, Stone has registered 9 points in his first six games.
The Nashville Predators stand at a disappointing 3-2-0. On one hand, they’ve suffered decisive losses to teams that are not expected to compete this year. But the Predators have fared much better against strong competition. Nashville holds victories of the Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks. The Predators’ new addition, Matt Duchene, has not disappointed thus far, scoring 9 points in five games.
This very well could be a preview of a future playoff round. That being said, the Golden Knights are at home and look like the better-prepared team right now. They come away from this game with an overtime victory.
Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2 (OT)
Carolina Hurricanes vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 0-0 Kings
The Carolina Hurricanes just lost their first game of the 2019-20 campaign. Even with that loss they still stand at an impressive record of 5-1-0. Perhaps even more impressive, they’ve gotten off to this hot start with a relatively cold opening from their star player, Sebastian Aho. The flashy Finnish forward has only one goal and no assists in six games so far. Aho, however, has too much talent to be down for long. The Hurricanes have been particularly prone to winning close games, with their first three wins of the season coming in overtime or the shootout.
The Los Angeles Kings were predicted by many as a candidate for one of the lesser teams in the NHL. Through five games, they have not done much to dispel that designation with a 2-3-0 start. What’s more, the Kings have given up the most goals against per game in the NHL this season, allowing teams to score 5.20 times a game. They have also had a fairly potent offence, scoring 4.00 goals per game. With that in mind, and the Hurricanes looking like a well-oiled machine, expect the “Bunch of Jerks” to win decisively.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-1
That’s our predictions for the day! Make sure to keep your eye on the Philadelphia Flyers vs Calgary Flames and enjoy whatever game you watch.
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