Here are today’s NHL Game Day Predictions. Daily, Last Word on Hockey brings you a prediction and analysis of every game on the schedule. This will also feature a significant game on the schedule that is must-watch hockey. Today’s featured game is the Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes in an abbreviated schedule.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Capitals 0 – 2 Hurricanes
The Washington Capitals have had a tough season in terms of penalties. The physical edge they bring on a nightly basis comes at a cost. There have been 146 penalties against them, 21 more than the league average of 125. That’s why it comes in handy to have a penalty kill as good as they do. The Caps kill off 84.9% of all penalties against them. But while they do a great job at killing off penalties, that turns into time wasted as they are not generating offensive opportunities.
A surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season has proved to not be a fluke so far this season. The Carolina Hurricanes currently sit in the top wild-card spot and have plenty of time to improve their position. Another win against the Metropolitan Division-leading Capitals would give them the season series and prove that they have what it takes to beat the best teams in the NHL. A solid defence will be key for the Hurricanes and solid goaltending from Petr Mrazek and James Reimer has allowed this team to pile up wins.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 5-3
Detroit Red Wings vs Dallas Stars
Head to Head: Red Wings 0 – 0 Stars
The Detroit Red Wings have had a dismal season and have little to look forward to except a likely high lottery draft pick. The recent loss of Anthony Mantha won’t help things as this is a team that struggles to both score and keep the puck out of their own net (last place in the NHL in both goals against and goals for). Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi continue to be bright spots for the Red Wings but they can’t do everything on their own.
The Winter Classic could not have been a much better game for the Dallas Stars. They got off to a rough start, giving up the first two goals, but managed to mount a third-period comeback to win 4-2. They want to continue their winning ways at home against Detroit and that should not be too much of a problem for the team. The one downside is that Dallas could potentially be without Corey Perry as he is meeting with the Department of Player Safety later today due to an elbowing call on Ryan Ellis in the Winter Classic.
Prediction: Stars win 3-0
That does it for today’s NHL Predictions. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another slate of games.
Main Photo:
