Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Every day Last Word on Hockey brings you a prediction and analysis of every game on the schedule. In the late-games edition of the December 3rd NHL Predictions, we’ll cover four games. There will also be a featured game on that is must-watch hockey. Today’s NHL Predictions featured game is the Winnipeg Jets vs the Dallas Stars.
Be sure to also check out the early game NHL predictions to stay informed.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-head: Predators 1-0 Lightning
The Nashville Predators may be turning around their season after earning points in four of their last five games. The Predators’ goaltending situation has been much more stable over the last several games as well. They got shut out in their last contest, so they’ll be looking for a bounce-back performance in this one.
Every time it appears the Tampa Bay Lightning are about to break out, they come right back down to Earth. This happened again recently, as the Lightning followed up an impressive run with three straight losses. While these all came in one-goal games, is it time to be concerned that Tampa is just an average team? They still have all the talent in the world and can turn it around, starting in this game.
Prediction: Lightning win 4-2
Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-head: Jets 1-1 Stars
The Winnipeg Jets continue to over-achieve. After a rough off-season, most predicated a big step back for the Jets. Thus far, they’ve bucked expectations and remain a playoff threat. Perhaps even more surprising is that most of their success comes from their ability to stop the puck. The Jets have a vaunted offence, but Connor Hellebuyck has arguably been the team’s most valuable player to this point. Hellebuyck is currently sitting at a .933 save percentage and has two shutouts.
Much like the Jets, the Dallas Stars win a lot of games off the back of their all-star goalie. Ben Bishop has given up two goals or less in four of his last five games. This always gives the Stars a chance to win. This is necessary, given the Stars’ lack of scoring. They’ve scored just three goals in their last three games. That being said, they might break out in this game. But both goaltenders will be excellent as always.
Prediction: Stars win 3-1
Vancouver Canucks vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-head: Canucks 0-0 Senators
The Vancouver Canucks have experienced an up-and-down stretch recently. They split a series with the division-rival Edmonton Oilers and now gear up to take on the Ottawa Senators. They’re a talented and young team that is capable of winning any game, but they’re still looking to put it all together.
The Ottawa Senators have lost their last four games but continue to be respectable (besides a 7-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild). The rebuild is far from over in Ottawa, but the team appears to be headed in the right direction under their new head coach. Jean-Gabriel Pageau has enjoyed a breakout season. With Ottawa still looking for future assets, will the hometown boy be traded soon? This game will be closer than it should be, but the Canucks will still pull off the win.
Prediction: Canucks win 4-3
San Jose Sharks vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-head: Sharks 0-0 Capitals
The San Jose Sharks continue to climb out of the hole they dug earlier in the season. The team is firing on all cylinders and has even been able to win some low-scoring games over the last several weeks. Still, the Sharks are best when the offence is clicking. Two of the team’s last three wins come against the Los Angeles Kings, so this game against the Capitals will be a greater test for San Jose.
It’s a bit of a mystery how the Washington Capitals have managed to stay under the radar while being tied for the highest point total in the league. Alex Ovechkin is still one of the scariest goal-scorers in the league. John Carlson has cooled off a little over the last five games but still leads the league in scoring by a defenceman. The Capitals balanced scoring attack should get them the win in this game.
Prediction: Capitals win 5-3
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