Here are today’s NHL 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, in this set of NHL Predictions, is the Carolina Hurricanes vs the Nashville Predators.
NHL Predictions
Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators
Head-to-Head: Jets 0 – 0 Senators
The Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators might be two teams facing in opposite directions. As of this writing, Patrik Laine is struggling with an injury and his name continually comes up in trade conversations. Their defence is a bit thin as it was last year and there just doesn’t seem to be a buzz around the team like there was a few years ago when they made their way to the Western Conference final.
The Ottawa Senators, on the other hand, are trending in the right direction. They may not be ready for the big time yet, but they feature a deep pool of prospects headlined by Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson. Ottawa is already in good hands in the form of young players like Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot. The Senators probably still should lose to the Jets, but we’re calling an upset for this game.
Prediction: Senators win 2-1
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Detroit Red Wings
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1 – 0 Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets just played on Monday with the Blue Jackets skating away with a 3-2 win. The Red Wings look to be more competitive than they were last year, and their free-agent acquisition Bobby Ryan has worked out for the team thus far. Ryan has logged two goals in two games for Detroit. The Red Wings aren’t ready to compete, but they certainly look better than last year with a seemingly strong goaltending duo of Thomas Greiss and Jonathan Bernier.
The Blue Jackets should be an interesting team to follow this season. This is especially true with the trade request of Pierre-Luc Dubois. The Blue Jackets are a team with a coach that gets the most out of his players while playing a defensively sound style. Expect this game to go much the same way the two teams’ first game went. A competitive, defensive game that the Blue Jackets ultimately win.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win 3-1
Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators
Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 1 – 0 Predators
The Carolina Hurricanes vs Nashville Predators rematch from last night will feature two of the deepest blue lines in the league. Nashville may have the proverbial king of the mountain in reigning Norris Trophy winner Roman Josi, but Carolina arguably has more depth on defence. Their defenders include staunch blue-liners such as Jaccob Slavin and Dougie Hamilton. In a matchup with so much defence, what this game may come down to is which team can score. The Predators have had trouble scoring over the last several years, while the Hurricanes feature a number of offensively capable players. This should be the difference in this game. This game could go much like the game from last night with a very close contest at hand.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-1
Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0 – 0 Kings
The Colorado Avalanche had a rough start to their season when they lost to the St. Louis Blues on opening night. That tough start didn’t last for long, however, as the Avalanche blitzed the Blues for an 8-goal win the very next game. With a lethal offence that features one of the best players in the world, Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado should be moving on all cylinders moving forward.
The Los Angeles Kings, on the other hand, have not had the best start to their season. Los Angeles dropped two straight games in overtime to the Minnesota Wild. The close nature of these games can be considered encouraging, however. The youth movement is in full effect in Los Angeles, as the team is finally starting to rely on younger players like Gabriel Vilardi. The Kings should be more watchable this year than last, but Colorado should roll in this one.
Prediction: Avalanche win 5-1
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
