Here are today’s NHL Predictions. Daily, Last Word on Hockey brings you a list of NHL predictions 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 set of early games featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs the Carolina Hurricanes.
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head to Head: Red Wings 0-2 Penguins
The Detroit Red Wings are clearly hoping that if they can’t win it all this season, they at least have the best chance possible to land top prospect, Alexis Lafreniere. They are clear frontrunners for that top draft selection and if they secure it, this is a franchise that could develop a deadly top line. While the current outlook may be bleak for Detroit, the future is very bright.
The Pittsburgh Penguins currently sit three points behind the Washington Capitals in the standings for first place in the Metropolitan Division. They would surely love to secure the top seed in their division to guarantee at least two rounds of home-ice advantage. A matchup with the Red Wings gives them a chance to pull within a single game of first place. This is a dangerous team that should dominate Detroit.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-2.
Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
Head to Head: Bruins 2-0 Rangers
David Pastrnak continues to beat goaltenders over and over as he extended his league lead in goals with a score in a win over Detroit. Unfortunately for him, Auston Matthews scored as well, tying the two at the top with 42 goals apiece. Although all eyes will be on Pastrnak, the New York Rangers can’t afford to just focus on him. The Boston Bruins have enough dangerous weapons that they can beat you from nearly any point on the ice.
Alexandar Georgiev has been the topic of many trade deadline rumors. He has yet to be dealt to another team and the Rangers continue to carry three netminders. Igor Shesterkin has had an excellent start to his pro career with a 6-1 record and a 2.18 goals against average. Considering Henrik Lundqvist is getting up there in age, it appears the team could be looking to move on from their legendary goaltender and groom their two youngsters.
Prediction: Bruins win 5-4.
Edmonton Oilers vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head to Head: Oilers 0-1 Hurricanes
In what has been an extremely tight Pacific Division playoff race, the Edmonton Oilers need every point they can get. The Carolina Hurricanes should provide a significant challenge, as they are fighting in a tough playoff race of their own. Without Connor McDavid due to injury and Zack Kassian due to a suspension, this team is in for a tough night against a team that isn’t pulling any punches.
To say that the Carolina Hurricanes are a tough team to play is an understatement. This is a team that is more motivated than ever. After being a bad team for so long, they have finally broken through and shown everyone that they have what it takes to win. With Justin Williams back in the lineup after returning from retirement, he provides an additional boost to the team’s top six forward group.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks
Head to Head: Ducks 1-0 Canucks
For the Anaheim Ducks are just looking ahead to next season as this one has been lost. Even with a magical run to finish out the year, they would still more than likely miss the playoffs. In order to fully turn things around, they need to commit to a full rebuild and stockpile draft picks. Although it would be a tough pill to swallow, trading Ryan Getzlaf may be a good move for the team to make in order to build a young core.
The Vancouver Canucks somewhat came out of nowhere this season. They had done the right thing by stockpiling talented young players. Now it is paying off as this team is in the driver’s seat in the Pacific Division. J.T. Miller was an exceptional addition to this team, as he has not only been a top scorer, but a valuable mentor to youngsters Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-1.
Dallas Stars vs Ottawa Senators
Head to Head: Stars 1-0 Senators
Tyler Seguin finally snapped a 17 game goal drought against the Toronto Maple Leafs. That is an unprecedented streak for such a talented player. Thankfully, they have not needed him to score goals to stay in contention. The Dallas Stars are in second place in the Central Division. They shouldn’t have much to worry about in terms of competition coming from teams currently outside of the playoff picture.
Brady Tkachuk is one of the best players available to a struggling team in the Ottawa Senators. They need him to continue his development in order to take this team from the bottom back up to the top of the standings. A trip to the playoffs is out of the question for the Senators and they should just start looking to the offseason.
Prediction: Stars win 4-1.
That does it for today’s NHL Predictions. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another slate of games.
Main Photo:
